2DSb-eneKIB · Novel 2D Metallenes for High-Performance Potassium Ion Storage

The energy transition of Europe from fossil fuels to sustainable/clean energy greatly increases the demand for energy storage techniques. The lithium ion batteries (LIBs) dominate the energy storage market for over 30 years after their commercialization in 1991. Recently, the price jump of limited Li resource and other cathode materials (Co and Ni) shows an urgent need to explore new-generation energy storage systems. The potassium ion battery (KIBs) is proposed in this project as a promising LIBs alternative for large-scale energy storage systems. However, poor cycling performances hinder the development and application of KIBs.To resolve the lifetime issue of KIBs, this project focus on the investigation of novel two-dimensional (2D) metallenes materials since they have shown intriguing properties like higher conductivity and a larger exposure of metal active sites than other 2D material and bulk materials. The 2D metallenes with reduced width and thickness layers are beneficial to alleviate the stress from volume expansions of large K ion insertion and will achieve highly stable electrochemical performances for KIBs. The proposed 2D metallenes for KIBs in this project will be the first innovation in the area of energy storage and conversion and will bring new scientific knowledge to current studies. I with my host group will combine the expertise and techniques to make a difference.