Relaxation of Stress Propagation in Alloying-Type Sn Anodes for K-Ion Batteries

Alloying-type metallic tin is perceived as a potential anode material for K-ion batteries owing to its high theoretical capacity and reasonable working potential. However, pure Sn still face intractable issues of inferior K⁺ storage capability owing to the mechanical degradation of electrode against large volume changes and formation of intermediary insulating phases K₄Sn₉ and KSn during alloying reaction. Herein, the TiC/C–carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is prepared as an effective buffer matrix and composited with Sn particles (Sn–TiC/C–CNTs) through the high-energy ball-milling method. Owing to the conductive and rigid properties, the TiC/C–CNTs matrix enhances the electrical conductivity as well as mechanical integrity of Sn in the composite material and thus ultimately contributes to performance supremacy in terms of electrochemical K⁺ storage properties. During potassiation process, the TiC/C–CNTs matrix not only dissipates the internal stress toward random radial orientations within the Sn particle but also provides electrical pathways for the intermediate insulating phases; this tends to reduce microcracking and prevent considerable electrode degradation.