Low-Temperature Potassium Batteries Enabled by Electric and Thermal Field Regulation

Recharging batteries operate at sub-zero temperature is usually limited by the slow ion diffusion and uneven charge distribution at low temperature. Here, we report a strategy to regulate electric field and thermal field simultaneously, creating a fast and uniform deposition surroundings for potassium ion in potassium metal batteries (PMBs). This regulation is achieved by using a highly ordered 1D nanoarray electrode which provides a dense and flat surface for uniforming the electric field and high thermal conductivity for reducing the temperature fluctuation. Consequently, this electrode could achieve high-areal capacity of 10 mAh cm(-2). Besides, the dependence of potassium nucleation on temperature is unveiled. Furthermore, a full-cell could steady operate with over 80 % of its room-temperature capacity at -20 degrees C. Those respectable performances demonstrate that this strategy is valid, potentially providing guidelines for the rational design of advanced electrodes toward PMBs.

Automated summary

In this study, a strategy to regulate electric field and thermal field simultaneously is reported, providing a fast and uniform deposition surroundings for potassium ion in potassium metal batteries (PMBs). By using a highly ordered 1D nanoarray electrode, the electric field is uniformed and temperature fluctuation is reduced. The electrode achieves a high-areal capacity of 10 mAh cm(-2) and reveals the dependence of potassium nucleation on temperature. These findings demonstrate the validity of the strategy and provide guidelines for the rational design of advanced electrodes for PMBs.