Coordination engineering of single zinc atoms on hierarchical dual-carbon for high-performance potassium-ion capacitors

Abstract

Dual-carbon engineering combines the advantages of graphite and hard carbon, thereby optimizing the potassium storage performance of carbon materials. However, dual-carbon engineering faces challenges balancing specific capacity, capability, and stability. In this study, we present a coordination engineering of Zn-N₄ moieties on dual-carbon through additional P doping, which effectively modulates the symmetric charge distribution around the Zn center. Experimental results and theoretical calculations unveil that additional P doping induces an optimized electronic structure of the Zn-N₄ moieties, thus enhancing K⁺ adsorption. A single-atom Zn metal coordinated with nitrogen and phosphorus reduces the K⁺ diffusion barrier and improves fast K⁺ migration kinetics. Consequently, Zn-NPC@rGO exhibits high reversible specific capacities, excellent rate capability, and impressive cycling stability, and remarkable power and energy densities for potassium-ion capacitors (PICs). This study provides insights into crucial factors for enhancing potassium storage performance.

Keywords: Dual–carbon engineering; Electrochemical performance; Hierarchical structure; Potassium–ion capacitors; Zn–NPC@rGO.