A P2/P3 Biphasic Layered Oxide Composite as a High-Energy and Long-Cycle-Life Cathode for Potassium-Ion Batteries

Angew Chem Int Ed Engl. 2024 Apr 22;63(17):e202400868. doi: 10.1002/anie.202400868. Epub 2024 Mar 20.

Abstract

Layered transition metal oxides are extensively considered as appealing cathode candidates for potassium-ion batteries (PIBs) due to their abundant raw materials and low cost, but their further implementations are limited by slow dynamics and impoverished structural stability. Herein, a layered composite having a P2 and P3 symbiotic structure is designed and synthesized to realize PIBs with large energy density and long-term cycling stability. The unique intergrowth of P2 and P3 phases in the obtained layered oxide is plainly characterized by X-ray diffraction refinement, high-angle annular dark field and annular bright field-scanning transmission electron microscopy at atomic resolution, and Fourier transformation images. The synergistic effect of the two phases of this layered P2/P3 composite is well demonstrated in K+ intercalation/extraction process. The as-prepared layered composite can present a large discharge capacity with the remarkable energy density of 321 Wh kg-1 and also manifest excellent capacity preservation after 600 cycles of K+ uptake/removal.

Keywords: Biphase; Cathode; Intergrown Structure; Layered Transition-Metal Oxide; Potassium-Ion Battery.