Potassium ferrous ferricyanide nanoparticles as a high capacity and ultralong life cathode material for nonaqueous potassium-ion batteries

We propose potassium ferrous ferricyanide (KFeII[Fe-III(CN)(6)]) nano particles with a 3D open framework structure as a cathode for nonaqueous K-ion batteries. Electrochemical reaction mechanism analyses identify that two redox-active sites based on C and N coordinated Fe-II/Fe-III redox couples play a role in K-ion storage, and no phase change occurs in the different states of the initial and second charge-discharge processes. Thus, the (KFeII[Fe-III(CN)(6)] electrode exhibits a high discharge capacity of 118.7 mA h g(-1) at an operating voltage of 3.34 V and extremely excellent cycling stability with a capacity value of 111.3 mA h g(-1) after 100 cycles at 10 mA g(-1). Moreover, an ultralong cycling lifespan of 1000 cycles with a high capacity retention of 80.49% and extraordinary voltage stability at 100 mA g(-1) can be acquired. Ex situ characterizations verify that the outstanding electrochemical performance of (KFeII[Fe-III(CN)(6)] is attributed to superior structural stability and electrochemical reversibility upon long-term cycling. Therefore, the (KFeII[Fe-III(CN)(6)] material can make KlBs competitive in EES applications.