Recent Advances in Electrolytes for Potassium-Ion Batteries

Potassium-ion batteries (KIBs) are considered as the potential energy storage devices due to the abundant reserves and low cost of potassium. In the past decade, research on KIBs has generally focused on electrode materials. However, since electrolytes also play a key role in determining the cell performance, this review summarizes recent advances in KIB electrolytes and design strategies. Specifically, the review includes five parts. First, the organic liquid electrolyte is the most widely used type for KIBs. Its two major components, salts and solvents, have a huge impact on the formation of the solid electrolyte interphase and the performance of KIBs. Changes in salts/solvents, the introduction of additives, and the concentration increase all have a positive effect on organic liquid electrolytes. Second, the design of water-in-salt electrolytes can effectively widen the narrow electrochemical stability window of aqueous electrolytes. Third, despite the appealing properties, the ionic liquid electrolytes have not been widely applied due to its high cost. Fourth, the solid-state electrolytes have drawn much attention due to high safety, and current research has been working on improving their ionic conductivity at room temperature. Lastly, perspectives are provided to support the future development of suitable electrolytes for high-performance KIBs.

Automated summary

This review summarizes recent advances in potassium-ion battery (KIB) electrolytes and design strategies. The study found that organic liquid electrolytes can improve battery performance by changing salts/solvents, adding additives, and increasing concentration. Water-in-salt electrolytes and solid-state electrolytes are also potential choices for electrolytes.