As demand for lithium soars and supply tightens, researchers are turning to alternative battery chemistries to support the energy transition.
A new review published in Science and Technology of Advanced Materials highlights potassium-ion batteries as a leading contender, offering potentially higher energy density than sodium-ion batteries and greater sustainability than lithium-ion alternatives.
Led by Professor Eunho Lim of Dongguk University, South Korea, the study outlines the scientific progress and remaining hurdles in potassium-ion battery development.
“Potassium-ion batteries are emerging as a viable alternative due to the abundance and cost-effectiveness of potassium.
“But realising their potential requires the development of advanced anode materials tailored to the unique properties of potassium ions,” says Prof Lim.
While lithium-ion batteries have powered everything from smartphones to electric vehicles, lithium’s scarcity and high cost raise concerns for future scalability.
Sodium-ion batteries are close to commercial viability, but potassium offers even better energy density — a critical factor for large-scale renewable energy storage.
The review assesses current anode materials, identifying the electrochemical challenges and trade-offs between capacity, stability and performance.
It also explores how electrode structure and material interactions influence battery longevity and efficiency.
Lim’s future research will focus on new, cost-effective anode materials and investigating fundamental electrochemical processes.
“Ultimately, my goal is to contribute to the commercialization of potassium-ion batteries by developing materials that can rival or exceed the performance of current lithium-ion battery anodes.”
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