| |

Progress Towards Potassium-Ion Batteries

July 10, 2025

Progress Towards Potassium-Ion Batteries
Potassium-ion batteries could have a higher energy density than sodium-ion batteries. This is important for large-scale energy storage such as for renewable energy.

Progress towards Potassium-ion batteries

In a review published in Science and Technology of Advanced Materials, researchers have surveyed the battery technologies that will be vital for a sustainable green transition. Eunho Lim and colleagues at Korea’s Dongguk University discuss recent advances and challenges, and point towards the research needed to develop an alternative to lithium-ion batteries.

Although lithium-ion batteries have been invaluable in the electronics revolution—powering laptops, smartphones, electronic vehicles, and much more—their expanding use faces a critical challenge. Lithium is not a common resource. Increasing demand has turned it into a high-value, strategic resource, and the green transition is expected to increase demand further still.

One alternative is to develop battery technologies based around a more common material. Sodium-ion batteries are an option, and the technology is nearly ready for commercialization. But potassium-ion batteries would be even better, since they could have a higher energy density, which is especially important for large-scale energy storage, such as for renewable energy.

“Potassium-ion batteries are emerging as a viable alternative due to the abundance and cost-effectiveness of potassium, but realizing their potential requires the development of advanced anode materials tailored to the unique properties of potassium ions,” explains Lim.

Professor Lim’s review addresses the research needed to realize the potential of potassium-ion batteries. The paper systematically examines the strengths and weaknesses of different anode materials and the electrochemical mechanisms each would rely on. The paper also outlines strategies that could overcome the weaknesses of each approach, as well as the trade-offs between performance and stability. One important point that emerges is the interaction of electrochemical parameters and physical structures in determining the potassium-ion batteries’ capacity and longevity. Based on this overview, the team highlights paths for future research to advance potassium-ion battery technology.

Lim plans to build on this groundwork, aiming to design new materials that can deliver the promise of potassium-ion batteries while working around their limitations. “My research will focus on the development of cost-effective, high-performance, and safe anode materials for potassium-ion batteries,” he says. He also plans to use advanced characterization techniques to investigate some of the fundamental phenomena that happen in the battery materials. “Understanding these mechanisms will be crucial for optimizing material design and electrode architecture.”

“Ultimately,” he says, “my goal is to contribute to the commercialization of potassium-ion batteries by developing materials that can rival or exceed the performance of current lithium-ion battery  anodes.”

More Information

Eunho Lim

Dongguk University, Republic of Korea

eunholim@dgu.ac.kr

Paper: https://doi.org/10.1080/14686996.2025.2518746

About Science and Technology of Advanced Materials (STAM)

Open access journal STAM publishes outstanding research articles across all aspects of materials science, including functional and structural materials, theoretical analyses, and properties of materials. https://www.tandfonline.com/STAM

Related Stories

Mechatronics Canada Digest Archives

Related Articles


Latest Articles

  • Comparing maxon EC-i vs ECX Motors: Which One Fits Your Design?

    August 19, 2025 The choice between maxon’s EC-i and ECX motor series depends on whether the application prioritizes torque or speed, rugged durability or quick responsiveness, and high load-handling capability or low-inertia performance. Both maxon product lines use brushless DC motor technology but are engineered with distinct rotor architectures and performance envelopes. This comparison outlines… Read More…

  • ABB Invests in Made in Canada with Installation Products that Electrify Our World 

    August 18, 2025 By Krystie Johnston  ABB recently announced their plan to build a new R&D and manufacturing facility in Canada. It will combine their existing facilities in Iberville and Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu to increase production capacity and support future growth in key sectors across Canada like utilities, energy, and infrastructure. Michael Shenouda, Canada Region Leader –… Read More…


Featured Article

Revolutionizing Material Movement with Autonomous Mobile Robots

Revolutionizing Material Movement with Autonomous Mobile Robots

In today’s fast-paced manufacturing and logistics industries, the need for efficient and flexible material movement solutions has never been greater. Traditional methods like conveyor systems, forklifts, and manual pushcarts have served us well, but they come with limitations.

That’s why Omron is thrilled to announce the launch of their game-changing MD Series of Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs). Read more


Products

  • Compact Class Sets New Standards: Economy AX1000 Servo Drives and AF1000 VFDs

    August 21, 2025 Economy drive system expands the motion portfolio AX1000 servo drive: extremely compact and efficient The AX1000 economy servo drives are a particularly cost-efficient series in the 1.65 to 6.9 A nominal current range, and meet the highest technological standards. Two versions are available: Despite their compact dimensions, they still manage to incorporate an integrated… Read More…

  • Simple! Safe! Future-Proof! Drive Train with MOVI-C®

    August 21, 2025 SEW-Eurodrive’s MOVI-C® modular automation system is your full-service provider for all automation tasks. One manufacturer, one comprehensive end-to-end drivetrain solution – including services, hardware and software, from planning, commissioning and servicing. What do you get out of this? Maximum relief. Simple energy saving Energy-efficient transmitting Efficiency and gear units go hand in hand… Read More…