Highly stable potassium metal batteries enabled by regulating surface chemistry in ether electrolyte

Rechargeable potassium (K) metal batteries (PMBs) remain deeply challenged by the lack of suitable electrolytes that are stable against both highly reactive K anodes and 4 V-class cathodes. Despite their good reductive stability with K metal, classic potassium bis(fluorosulfonyl)amide (KFSI)-based ether electrolytes are typically used only in <4.0 V PMBs due to their limited oxidation stability. Herein, a potassium nitrate (KNO3)-containing ether electrolyte, at a moderate KFSI concentration (2.3 M) rather than a high concentration (normally, >3 M), is reported for the first time to be used in 4 V-class PMBs. A stable N/F-rich solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) is formed, enabling dense and uniform K deposition, especially under high current density. Remarkably, the PMBs with Prussian blue cathode exhibits an unprecedented cycle life (1000 cycles, 122 days). This work provides new perspectives of electrolyte design for 4 V-class PMBs.

Automated summary

This study reports for the first time a potassium nitrate-containing ether electrolyte for use in 4 V-class PMBs at a moderate potassium bis(fluorosulfonyl)amide (KFSI) concentration, forming a stable N/F-rich solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) that enables dense and uniform potassium deposition, leading to a significantly improved cycle life of the PMBs.