Potassium-Ion Storage in Cellulose-Derived Hard Carbon: The Role of Functional Groups

Potassium-ion storage is being explored by researchers for its advantages in forming graphite-based intercalation compounds, with cost-effective production compared to lithium-ion systems. However, its poor performance in graphite-based platforms, owing to the volume expansion required for intercalation, has demanded alternative materials for reversible potassiation. Herein, we demonstrate a simple one-step pyrolysis approach to develop an amorphous hard carbon material from commercial cellulose for high-performance potassium-ion batteries (KIB). The larger interlayer spacing (similar to 0.4 nm) alongside the electronegative oxygen functional groups promotes potassium-ion storage. High capacity, good rate and long cycling performance with lower-volume expansion could be credited to the amorphous carbon that possesses turbostratic nanodomains. Further, oxygen functional groups on the carbon material are identified in our experimental studies, and density functional theory simulations indicate that these are likely to enhance the potassium-ion capacity of the materials.