Issue 1, 2025

An electric double layer regulator empowers a robust solid–electrolyte interphase for potassium metal batteries

Abstract

The electric double layer (EDL) plays a key role in constructing a solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) for high-energy metal anodes. Nevertheless, the significance of the EDL and its associated influence remain elusive especially in the potassium metal battery realm. Here we propose an EDL regulation strategy via separator modification targeting durable and longevous potassium metal batteries. We employ a universal metal hydroxide combined with a sulfur-doped graphene layer and show that the H-bond effect exerted by the metal hydroxide could overcome the EDL repulsion and thus rearrange the anode interface to enrich the anion population. In this sense, a robust inorganic-rich SEI is generated, which manages to sustain dynamic evolutions not only in the initial formation stage but also during the cycling stage. Consequently, uniform and stable potassium electroplating occurs even under harsh conditions, enabling high-rate capability at 10 mA cm−2 and elongated lifespan over 6000 h at 8.0 mA cm−2/8.0 mA h cm−2. Our separator modification concept with vast explored design space offers an appealing path for fast-charging and long-lifespan potassium metal batteries.

Graphical abstract: An electric double layer regulator empowers a robust solid–electrolyte interphase for potassium metal batteries

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
02 Sep 2024
Accepted
01 Nov 2024
First published
06 Nov 2024

Energy Environ. Sci., 2025,18, 322-333

An electric double layer regulator empowers a robust solid–electrolyte interphase for potassium metal batteries

X. Lian, L. Xu, Z. Ju, Z. Chen, X. Chen, Y. Yi, Z. Tian, T. Cheng, S. Dou, X. Tao and J. Sun, Energy Environ. Sci., 2025, 18, 322 DOI: 10.1039/D4EE03978E

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