A Thermally Robust Biopolymeric Separator Conveys K+ Transport and Interfacial Chemistry for Longevous Potassium Metal Batteries

Abstract

Potassium metal batteries (KMBs) hold promise for stationary energy storage with certain cost and resource merits. Nevertheless, their practicability is greatly handicapped by dendrite-related anodes, and the target design of specialized separators to boost anode safety is in its nascent stage. Here, we develop a thermally robust biopolymeric separator customized via a solvent-exchange and amino-siloxane decoration strategy to render durable and safe KMBs. Through experimental investigation and theoretical computation, we reveal that the optimized porosity and surface functionalization could manage ion transport and interfacial chemistry, thereby enabling efficient K⁺ diffusion and a favorable solid electrolyte interphase to achieve prolonged cycling stability (over 3000 h). The thus-assembled full cell retains 80% of its initial capacity after 400 cycles at 0.5 A g^–1. The heat-proof property of the designed separator is further demonstrated. Our biopolymeric separator, affording multifunctional features, provides an appealing solution to circumvent instability and safety issues associated with potassium metal batteries.