Potassium-ion battery anode materials operating through the alloying–dealloying reaction mechanism

Anode materials that operate via the alloying–dealloying reaction mechanism are well known in established and maturing battery systems such as lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries. Recently, a new type of metal-ion battery that utilizes K+ions in its operating principle has attracted significant attention due to a possibility of building high voltage cells using an abundant potassium ionic shuttle. Establishing promising electrode materials is of paramount importance for this new type of battery. This feature article summarizes available early results on the alloying–dealloying anode materials in potassium electrochemical cells. Based on original research (some data are presented for the first time) and independently published literature, experimental results on silicon, tin, phosphorus, antimony, and lead-containing anodes are critically discussed. The electrochemical properties, charge storage mechanisms, and achievable capacities are considered. The results are compared with the behaviors of the same materials in lithium and sodium cells, and the importance of the volumetric parameters of electrodes is emphasized. Finally, a number of further research directions in these interesting anode materials are suggested. The feature article provides a useful reference for the growing number of researchers and specialists working in the field of emerging metal-ion batteries with non-lithium chemistries.