Revealing the solid electrolyte interface on calcium metal anodes

Owing to its low potential, crustal abundances and environmental friendliness, calcium metal anode(CMA) is emerging as a powerful contender in post-lithium era. However, the passivation of CMA fatally hinders its development. Recently, several feasible electrolytes have been developed. Nevertheless, as a pivotal part, the solid electrolyte interface(SEI) formed on CMA has not been paid enough attention to. In this review, based on the passivation mechanism of CMA, the favorable composition of SEI is emphasized with the corresponding electrolytes. It is considered that boron-containing and organic–inorganic hybrid SEI might be preferred. By comparing electrolytes and SEI on CMA with lithium and magnesium metal anodes, the root causes of CMA passivation are further elaborated, enlightening rational design rules of suitable SEI. Furthermore, some noteworthy details when assembling secondary calcium metal batteries(CMBs) are put forward. It is expected that deeper understanding of SEI on CMA will promote the development of CMBs.

Processable Potassium Metal Anode for Stable Batteries

The future of high-energy density electrochemical energy storage systems relies on the advancement of rechargeable batteries that utilize reactive metals as anodes.In the alkaline metal,secondary battery systems because of abundant resource,high capacity and low redox potential,potassium(K)metal secondary battery(KMB)is expected to replace the existing lithiumion battery as a versatile platform for high-energy density,cost-effective energy storage devices.However,the difficulty in processing metal K results in nonstandard electrodes and hinders the development of KMBs.Furthermore,the mobility of the K metal anode due to its unique lowmelting point character at elevated temperatures in practical conditions leads to severe instability and risks in chemical/electrochemical processes.Herein,we fabricate a processable and moldable composite K metal anode by encapsulating K into reduced graphene oxide(rGO).The composite electrode can be engineered into various shapes discretionarily with precise sizes and stabilize the K metal anode at relatively high temperatures.Remarkably,the composite anode exhibits excellent cycling performance at high current density(8 mA cm^(-2)) with dendrite-free morphology.Paired with a Prussian blue cathode,the rGO-K composite anode shows much improved electrochemical performance and extended lifetime.