Layered P3-Type KFeMnTiO as a Low-Cost and Zero-Strain Electrode Material for both Potassium and Sodium Storage.

Layered transition metal oxides are ideal Na/K host materials due to their high theoretical capacities and appropriate working potentials, and the pursuit of cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternatives with high energy density and structural stability has remained a hot topic. Herein, we design and synthesize a low-cost and zero-strain cathode material, P3-type KFeMnTiO, which demonstrates superior properties for both potassium and sodium storage. The cathode delivers a reversible potassium storage capacity of 117 mA h g at 20 mA g and a fast rate capability of 71 mA h g at 1000 mA g. X-ray diffraction reveals a solid-solution transition with a negligible volume change of 0.5% upon K insertion/deinsertion that ensures long cycling stability over 300 cycles. When the material is employed for sodium storage, a spontaneous ion-exchange process with Na-containing electrolytes occurs. Thanks to the positive effects of the remaining K ions that protect the layered structure from collapse as well as expand the interlayer structure, and the resulting KNaFeMnTiO demonstrates a high sodium storage capacity of 160 mA h g and superior cycling stability with capacity retention of 81% after 300 cycles as well as fast kinetics.