Electrolyte design to regulate the electrode–electrolyte interface on the electrochemical performance for K0.5MnO2||graphite-based potassium-ion batteries

The system of layered-metal-oxide||carbon-anode cells with carbonate electrolytes is highly promising for constructing potassium-ion batteries (PIBs). However, this system faces serious issues of poor compatibility between the electrolyte and electrode, particularly with conventional ethylene carbonate (EC)-based electrolytes. Herein, owing to the regulated coordination environment of cation–anion-solvent and the formed KF-rich interface, a superior rate performance of graphite anode was achieved. The designed 4 M KFSI EC/DEC electrolyte demonstrates superior performance in graphite||K cells, exhibiting a high reversible capacity of approximately 200 mAh g⁻¹ at a high current density of 700 mA g⁻¹, surpassing many reported high-concentration and weak solvation PIB electrolytes. Meanwhile, it exhibits low polarization and maintains stable contact stability with active K metal. Furthermore, it demonstrates great compatibility with Mn-based layered metal oxide cathodes. Remarkably, we reveal a unique formation mechanism of the solvent-anion co-derived solid electrolyte interface (SEI) through a two-stage XPS deep analysis, which has the KF-deficient inorganic inner and KF-rich outer. This SEI can protect the graphite structure and enable great rate performance of graphite anode. This work holds significant reference value for the design of commercial electrolytes.