Potassium ferrous ferricyanide nanoparticles as a high capacity and ultralong life cathode material for nonaqueous potassium-ion batteries

Abstract

We propose potassium ferrous ferricyanide (KFe^II[Fe^III(CN)₆]) nanoparticles with a 3D open framework structure as a cathode for nonaqueous K-ion batteries. Electrochemical reaction mechanism analyses identify that two redox-active sites based on C and N coordinated Fe^II/Fe^III redox couples play a role in K-ion storage, and no phase change occurs in the different states of the initial and second charge–discharge processes. Thus, the KFe^II[Fe^III(CN)₆] electrode exhibits a high discharge capacity of 118.7 mA h g⁻¹ at an operating voltage of 3.34 V and extremely excellent cycling stability with a capacity value of 111.3 mA h g⁻¹ after 100 cycles at 10 mA g⁻¹. Moreover, an ultralong cycling lifespan of 1000 cycles with a high capacity retention of 80.49% and extraordinary voltage stability at 100 mA g⁻¹ can be acquired. Ex situ characterizations verify that the outstanding electrochemical performance of KFe^II[Fe^III(CN)₆] is attributed to superior structural stability and electrochemical reversibility upon long-term cycling. Therefore, the KFe^II[Fe^III(CN)₆] material can make KIBs competitive in EES applications.