Bisphosphate shell layer structure-decorated K0.45Rb0.05Mn0.85Mg0.15O2 cathode for boosting potassium/sodium storage.

Novel K 0.45 Rb 0.05 Mn 0.85 Mg 0.15 O 2 (KRMMO) cathode encapsulated by bisphosphate K 3 PO 4 /Mn 3 PO 4 shell layer is delicately designed for boosting potassium/sodium storage. Benefiting from the bisphosphate layer, the volume expansion of KRMMO is effectively inhibited, K 3 PO 4 /MnPO 4 double-coated K 0.45 Rb 0.05 Mn 0.85 Mg 0.15 O 2 (D-KRMMO) has a high electronic conductivity and fast ionic diffusivity, which can stimulate potassium/sodium storage. Meanwhile, bisphosphate K 3 PO 4 /Mn 3 PO 4 shell directly isolates the cathode from the electrolyte to alleviate side reactions occurring between the electrolyte and the material, thus the dissolution of Mn in KRMMO host can be inhibited during the cycling process. In potassium ion batteries (PIBs), the discharge specific capacity of D-KRMMO is 105.9 mAh g−1 at a current density of 20 mA g−1 compared with pure KRMMO (94 mAh g−1 at 20 mA g−1). A highly reversible discharge specific capacity of 112.8 mAh g−1 at 100 mA g−1 is shown in the sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). And acceptable C-rate performances of 112.8 mAh g−1 and 44.8 mAh g−1 are exhibited at 100 mA g−1 and 2 A g−1, respectively. EIS and GITT measurements have shown that D-KRMMO cathode has faster ion mobility and electron mobility, as well as higher pseudocapacitance contribution. [Display omitted] • D-KRMMO can be used as the cathode for both PIBs and SIBs. • D-KRMMO has excellent electrochemical properties. • XPS during cycling reveals changes in valence state of Mn ions. • The bisphosphate layer inhibits volume expansion and Mn dissolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]