Public Research Seminar by Sustainable Energy and Environment Thrust, HKUST(GZ) - Potassium-ion (K-ion) batteries: New approaches to prepare phosphorus-based anodes

Potassium-ion (K-ion) batteries are emerging as a promising alternative to lithium-ion batteries for energy storage applications, largely due to the abundant availability of potassium. Among various anode materials, phosphorus-based anodes offer the potential for high energy densities. However, these phosphorus-based anodes face significant challenges, including substantial volume expansion (up to 400%) and the formation of unstable solid electrolyte interphases (SEIs), which hinder their scalability for practical applications. In addition, K-ion batteries share similar safety concerns with lithium-ion batteries when utilizing conventional flammable organic electrolyte systems, such as ethylene carbonate (EC) and diethyl carbonate (DEC).

In this seminar, the speaker will present a novel strategy for the scalable preparation of amorphous phosphorus-based anode materials through ball milling for K-ion batteries. The intriguing roles of in situ formed inactive amorphous metal phosphates during the preparation process will be examined, revealing their contributions to performance enhancement. Furthermore, these phosphorus-based anodes will be investigated for integration with a non-flammable triethyl phosphate (TEP) electrolyte system, paving the way for safer K-ion batteries.

Building on these findings, the seminar will also explore the recent development of black phosphorus-based anodes, highlighting their potential to achieve high energy density, good cycle stability, and high rate-performance. Finally, insights into the advancement of layered oxide and polyanion compounds for K-ion battery cathodes will be presented, emphasizing their remarkable cycling stability.