Electrosprayed hierarchical mesoporous Mn0.5Ti2(PO4)3@C microspheres as promising High-Performance anode for Potassium-Ion batteries

NASICON-structured Ti-based polyanion compounds benefit from a stable structural framework, large ion channels, and fast ion mobility . However, the large radius of potassium and its poor electronic conductivity restrict its use in potassium-ion batteries. Herein, hierarchical mesoporous Mn 0.5 Ti 2 (PO 4 ) 3 @C microspheres have been successfully synthesized using a simple electrospraying method. These microspheres consist of Mn 0.5 Ti 2 (PO 4 ) 3 nanoparticles evenly embedded in three-dimensional mesoporous carbon microspheres. The hierarchical mesoporous micro/nanostructure facilitates the rapid insertion and extraction of K + , while the three-dimensional carbon microspheres matrix enhances electrical conductivity and prevents active materials from collapsing during cycling. So the hierarchical mesoporous Mn 0.5 Ti 2 (PO 4 ) 3 @C microspheres exhibit a high reversible discharge specific capacity (306 mA h g −1 at 20 mA g −1 ), a notable rate capability (123 mA h g −1 at 5000 mA g −1 ), and exceptional cycle performance (148 mA h g −1 at 500 mA g −1 after 1000 cycles). The results show that electrosprayed Mn 0.5 Ti 2 (PO 4 ) 3 @C microspheres are a promising anode for PIBs.