Dual-strategy coupling driven versatile carbon-based anode for potassium-ion/potassium metal storage

Reasonably constructed carbon-based electrodes are highly crucial for designing high-performance potassiumion and potassium metal batteries (PIBs or PMBs). To this end, we developed a Tetramethylol Acetylenediurea derived versatile carbon with rational design of multi-pronged active sites, superior kinetics and robust stability via unique nanoengineering strategies. Specifically, in situ characterizations (e.g., in-situ EIS and in-situ Raman) and theory calculations further unveiled the fundamentals of storage mechanisms. As a result, it delivered high rate capability, remarkable long-term cycling performance for over 2,400 cycles at 1 A/g, high areal capacity of 2.7 mAh cm-2 at a high mass loading of 8 mg cm-2 and low potassium nucleation overpotential (14.9 mV at 1 mA cm-2). Moreover, the potassium-ion full-cell battery pairing with an organic perylene-3,4,9,10tetracarboxylic dianhydride cathode enabled ultrahigh energy density of 311.8 Wh kg-1, proving a representing advances in high-performance and stable potassium-based storage.

Automated summary

Reasonably constructed carbon-based electrodes play a crucial role in high-performance potassiumion and potassium metal batteries. We developed a Tetramethylol Acetylenediurea derived versatile carbon with rational design, which showed excellent kinetics, stability, and multi-pronged active sites. The in situ characterizations and theory calculations further revealed the fundamentals of storage mechanisms, enabling high rate capability, long-term cycling performance, high areal capacity, and low potassium nucleation overpotential for the carbon electrode.