Engineering π‐K <sup>+</sup> Interactions in Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Anodes via Molecular Jigsaw Strategy for Fast‐Charging Potassium‐Ion Batteries

ABSTRACT Potassium‐ion batteries (PIBs) represent a compelling alternative to lithium‐ion technologies, yet their deployment is hindered by the large ionic radius of K + , which imposes a formidable barrier to reversible and efficient ion storage in conventional anodes. Although organic electrode materials (OEMs) offer intrinsic sustainability, cost‐effectiveness, and structural tunability, they often suffer from severe dissolution and sluggish kinetics. Here, we present polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) as a new anode platform for PIBs, designed through a molecular jigsaw strategy for π‐electron delocalization engineering. Rational jigsaw screening guided by theoretical calculations, a cyclopentane jigsaw is embedded into naphthalene (N‐PAH) to yield acenaphthylene (A‐PAH), which enlarges π‐conjugation, elevates the LUMO energy level, and strengthens π‐K + interactions. This modification suppresses dissolution and enables a three‐electron transfer process based on the π‐K + storage mechanism. As a result, the tailored A‐PAH anode can deliver 367.2 mAh g −1 at 0.05 A g −1 , along with outstanding rate capability (112.4 mAh g −1 at 5 A g −1 ), and remarkable long‐term stability over 1200 cycles with an ultralow capacity decay of 0.012% per cycle. This work pioneers the application of PAHs as π‐cation‐driven organic anodes for PIBs, laying a solid foundation for designing robust and fast‐charging potassium storage materials.

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
Advanced Functional Materials
Published
2026-03-28
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.75179
Primary Topic
Advancements in Battery Materials
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

Engineering π‐K + Interactions in Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Anodes via Molecular Jigsaw Strategy for Fast‐Charging Potassium‐Ion Batteries

Qi Xue, Zhifeng Liu, Li Zhou, Xiuli Gao et al.
Advanced Functional Materials
Advancements in Battery Materials
article

Engineering π‐K + Interactions in Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Anodes via Molecular Jigsaw Strategy for Fast‐Charging Potassium‐Ion Batteries

Qi Xue, Zhifeng Liu, Li Zhou, Xiuli Gao, Yanfu Tong, Yao Wang, Yongpeng Cui, Wei Xing
article en

Abstract

ABSTRACT Potassium‐ion batteries (PIBs) represent a compelling alternative to lithium‐ion technologies, yet their deployment is hindered by the large ionic radius of K + , which imposes a formidable barrier to reversible and efficient ion storage in conventional anodes. Although organic electrode materials (OEMs) offer intrinsic sustainability, cost‐effectiveness, and structural tunability, they often suffer from severe dissolution and sluggish kinetics. Here, we present polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) as a new anode platform for PIBs, designed through a molecular jigsaw strategy for π‐electron delocalization engineering. Rational jigsaw screening guided by theoretical calculations, a cyclopentane jigsaw is embedded into naphthalene (N‐PAH) to yield acenaphthylene (A‐PAH), which enlarges π‐conjugation, elevates the LUMO energy level, and strengthens π‐K + interactions. This modification suppresses dissolution and enables a three‐electron transfer process based on the π‐K + storage mechanism. As a result, the tailored A‐PAH anode can deliver 367.2 mAh g −1 at 0.05 A g −1 , along with outstanding rate capability (112.4 mAh g −1 at 5 A g −1 ), and remarkable long‐term stability over 1200 cycles with an ultralow capacity decay of 0.012% per cycle. This work pioneers the application of PAHs as π‐cation‐driven organic anodes for PIBs, laying a solid foundation for designing robust and fast‐charging potassium storage materials.

Advanced Functional Materials
Tianjin Chengjian University (CN), China University of Petroleum, Beijing (CN), China University of Petroleum, East China (CN)
Responsible consumption and production
Openalex Percentile: Top 5%
Advancements in Battery Materials
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.

Engineering π‐K <sup>+</sup> Interactions in Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Anodes via Molecular Jigsaw Strategy for Fast‐Charging Potassium‐Ion Batteries — Qi Xue, Zhifeng Liu, et al. · Advanced Functional Materials (2026) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS