Multiphase Riveting Structure for High Power and Long Lifespan Potassium‐Ion Batteries

• Published in: Advanced functional materials 2024-06, Vol.34 (26), p.n/a
• Main Authors: Liu, Zhen‐Duo, Gao, Xuan‐Wen, Mu, Jian‐Jia, Chen, Hong, Gao, Guoping, Lai, Qing‐Song, Yang, Dong‐Run, Gu, Qin‐Fen, Luo, Wen‐Bin
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: cathode material; Cathodes; Current density; Density of states; Discharge; Electrode materials; ion exchange; Ion storage; K+ migration path; Multiphase; multiphase riveting structure; Phase transitions; Potassium; potassium ion battery; Rechargeable batteries; Riveting; Stability
• ISSN: 1616-301X; 1616-3028
• DOI: 10.1002/adfm.202315006

The development of potassium‐ion batteries (KIBs) relies on the exploration of stable layer‐structured oxide cathode materials and a comprehensive understanding of ion storage and diffusion behaviors. A multiphase riveting‐structured O3/P2/P3‐Na0.9[Ni0.3Mn0.55Cu0.1Ti0.05]O2 (Tri‐NMCT) is employed as cathode material for KIBs. It demonstrates an initial discharge specific capacity of 108 mA g−1 at current density of 15 mA g−1 in the voltage range of 1.5–4 V. Excellent cyclic stability is exhibited as well with a high 83% capacity retention after 600 cycles at a higher current density of 300 mA g−1. Based on the in‐situ XRD, it reveals that the P2 phase offers a more stable triangular prism site compared to the O3 phase. This stability inhibits the undesired phase transition from P3 to O3 during discharge, thereby ensuring the long‐term cyclic performance. Furthermore, Density of state (DOS) calculations and migration barrier analyses indicate a preferential migration of K+ ions to the P2 phase due to the lower Fermi level. This observation elucidates the structural preservation of the P3 phase during K+ embedding. Overall, this work sheds light on Tri‐NMCT as a promising cathode material for advanced KIBs. The multiphase riveting structure can alleviate the rigid failure caused by phase transition. Meanwhile, the O3 phase and P3 phase provide the main storage sites for K+ as skeletons. The existence of the P2 phase provides a better diffusion pathway for ion transport in the matrix.