Understanding electrochemical cation insertion into prussian blue from electrode deformation and mass changes

Alkali ion insertion into Prussian blue from aqueous electrolytes is characterized with operando AFM and EQCM, showing coupling of current with deformation and mass change rates. Stable cycling occurs only with K+, attributed to its lower hydration energy. The (de)insertion of K+ results in reversible deformation even in the open framework structure.

Automated summary

The study reveals that stable cycling of alkali ions insertion into Prussian blue only occurs with K+ due to its lower hydration energy. The (de)insertion of K+ leads to reversible deformation of the open framework structure of Prussian blue. This behavior is characterized by coupling of current with deformation and mass change rates.