am9b02116_si_001.pdf (2.19 MB)
Anchoring an Artificial Protective Layer To Stabilize Potassium Metal Anode in Rechargeable K–O2 Batteries
journal contribution
posted on 2019-04-16, 00:00 authored by Neng Xiao, Jingfeng Zheng, Gerald Gourdin, Luke Schkeryantz, Yiying WuRechargeable
potassium batteries, including the potassium–oxygen (K–O2) battery, are deemed as promising low-cost energy storage
solutions. Nevertheless, the chemical stability of the K metal anode
remains problematic and hinders their development. In the K–O2 battery, the electrolyte and dissolved oxygen tend to be
reduced on the K metal anode, which consumes the active material continuously.
Herein, an artificial protective layer is engineered on the K metal
anode via a one-step method to mitigate side reactions induced by
the solvent and reactive oxygen species. The chemical reaction between
K and SbF3 leads to an inorganic composite layer that consists
of KF, Sb, and KSbxFy on the surface. This in situ synthesized layer effectively
prevents K anode corrosion while maintaining good K+ ionic
conductivity in K–O2 batteries. Protection from
O2 and moisture also ensures battery safety. Improved anode
life span and cycling performance (>30 days) are further demonstrated.
This work introduces a novel strategy to stabilize the K anode for
rechargeable potassium metal batteries.