Researchers at Oregon State University (OSU) find merit in the development of a potassium-ion battery, and that the materials involved are more abundant and less costly than popular lithium-ion solutions.

Potassium-graphite combo could rival lithium-ion batteries for cost. Xiulei (David) Ji, lead author of the study and an assistant professor of chemistry in the College of Science at OSU, says that assumptions are incorrect that potassium will not work with graphite or other bulk carbon anodes.

Findings are published in The Journal of the American Chemical Society. The research was supported by the U.S. Department of Energy in collaboration with OSU researchers Zelang Jian and Wei Luo. A patent is also pending on the new technology.

The findings indicate that battery alternatives work with well-established and inexpensive graphite as the anode. Lithium, found in 0.0017% (by weight) of the Earth’s crust, is expensive and difficult to recycle. By contrast potassium is considerably more abundant. The findings show that it can work effectively with graphite or soft carbon in the anode of an electrochemical battery. Currently, the performance of these types of alternative batteries does not equal that of lithium-ion batteries.

According to Ji, the energy density of a potassium-ion battery may never exceed that of lithium-ion batteries. However, it may provide a long cycling life, a high-power density, a lower cost, and can be ready to take the advantage of the existing manufacturing processes of carbon anode materials.

Related articles and links:

www.oregonstate.edu