Prussian Blue Analogues for K-ion batteries

forthcoming

There is an increasing demand for sustainable energy storage solutions to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions and the consumption of fossil fuels. Among the technologies, it became evident that current lithium-ion batteries have several drawbacks such as their cost, availability and inadequate sources of lithium metal. The main objective of this project is to develop an inexpensive, non-toxic, and abundant alternative to Li-ion batteries. More specifically, this project will focus on Prussian Blue Analogues (PBAs) as cathode materials for K-ion batteries. PIBs have recently receive great attention thanks to the high abundance of potassium, the low electrochemical potential (K/K+ (2.93V vs SHE) lower than Na/Na+, and the possibility of being intercalated into graphitic carbons. These properties make PIBs to present a higher-voltage operation in the wider voltage range compared to NIBs and LIBs. Furthermore, KIBs can realize high-power densities based on the fast diusion rate of K+ ions. Prussian Blue Analogues have emerged as excellent cathode materials for Na-ion (SIBs) and K-ion batteries (PIBs) thanks to their open structure, with large diffusion channels that allow reversible incorporation of cations. Furthermore, their easy synthesis (not required of high temperature), and the presence of abundant and non-toxic elements (Fe and Mn) make them good candidates, especially for large-scale stationary energy storage. This technology (PIBs) however in a low level of maturity in comparison with LIBs and SIBs so further understanding at the materials level is needed to improve their application in the industry. Here we will develop a new synthesis of these materials, focusing on Prussian White phases, we will also their performance in different electrolytes and anode materials. We will place a great emphasis on operando techniques to understand the phases form, SEI and limitations of this technology.