Embracing high performance potassium-ion batteries with phosphorus-based electrodes: a review

The ever-increasing global energy demand and rising price of raw materials adopted in currently prevalent lithium ion batteries (LIBs) have boosted the development of potassium ion batteries (KIBs). Despite the similarity in the working principle to LIBs, it remains a big challenge to select a suitable electrode material for KIBs. Phosphorus (P) and P-based composites have been identified as promising electrodes for LIBs or sodium ion batteries (NIBs) with remarkable electrochemical performance. Yet it was not until recent years that P-based materials have been explored as potential electrodes for KIBs. In this paper, we will try to provide a timely review of the current research progress of the P-based electrode materials, both cathodes and anodes, for KIBs. The synthetic strategies, electrochemical behaviours, and ion storage mechanisms will be discussed in detail. The challenges and future perspectives worth investigating will also been presented. Through timely update of the research progress and presentation of the existing arguments, it is expected that this review will help to clarify the puzzles encountered in current KIBs and benefit their future development and commercialization.