K-ion Genesis 🔋2018-2021
🔍 Overview
This K-ion battery research project was initiated through a preliminary study, in collaboration with ICGM (L. Monconduit / L. Stievano) and LRCS (G. Gachot) within the RS2E network.
In parallel, a PhD funding was secure by L. Caracciolo via E2S-UPPA I-SITE, entitled: “Study of K-ion batteries: redox processes and interfacial phenomena”.
🎯 Key Findings
Preliminary study:
Detrimental interactions (cross-talks) between electrodes were highlighted. In other words, species formed on the K-metal surface migrate and deposit at the working electrode surface whatever the electrode/electrolyte combination was thus preventing SEI study in half-cells in K-ion batteries.
PhD results:
- XPS was used on KVPO4FxO1-x and revealed a high reversibility of the redox processes although the K+ extraction (and insertion) from x = 0.5 to 0 was hindered, possibly by structural constraints while electrolyte degradation occurred mostly above 4.5V.
- An unique XPS database was created with K-based SEI reference compounds compared to Li and Na ones.
- XPS (SEIs) and GC/MS/FTIR (Gases) analysis were combined for the first time to determine the complete degradation pathways of KPF6 and KFSI in EC:DEC in contact with K-metal and compared to LiPF6 in EC:DEC in contact with Li metal.
👤 My Contributions
- The XPS - GC/MS/FTIR combination that for the time allowed obtening full degradation mechanisms of electrolytes.
- Co-direction of 🎓 L. Caracciolo’s PhD thesis (>75%).
📢 Communication
📄 5 publications
🎤 3 international conferences
🚀 Next Steps
K-ion Genesis outcomes helped built the TROPIC Project
