Anchoring an Artificial Protective Layer To Stabilize Potassium Metal Anode in Rechargeable K–O₂ Batteries

Abstract

Rechargeable 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 KSb _xF _y 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.