K_xVPO₄F (x0): A New High-Voltage and Low-Stain Cathode Material for Ultrastable Calcium Rechargeable Batteries

The utilization of high-voltage intercalation cathodes in calcium-ion batteries (CIBs) is impeded by the substantial size and divalent character of Ca2+ ions, which result in pronounced volume alterations and sluggish ion mobility, consequently causing inferior reversibility and low energy/power densities. To tackle these issues, polyanionic K-vacant KxVPO4F (x similar to 0, designated as K0VPF) is proposed as high-voltage and ultra-stable cathode material in CIBs. The K0VPF demonstrates a decent calcium storage capacity of 75 mAh g(-1) at 10 mA g(-1) and remarkable capacity retention of 84.2% over 1000 cycles. The average working voltage of the K0VPF is 3.85 V versus Ca2+/Ca, representing the highest value reported for CIB cathodes to date. The combined experimental and theoretical investigations revealed that the low volume changes and hopping diffusion barriers contribute to the extraordinary stability and high-power capabilities, respectively, of K0VPF. The distribution of Ca ions into polyanionic frameworks with pronounced spatial separation effectively attenuates the Ca2+-Ca2+ repulsive force and thus augmenting the Ca migration kinetics. The high voltage of K0VPF is attributed to the inductive effect from the largely electronegative fluorine. In conjunction with a calcium metal anode and a compatible electrolyte, Ca metal full cells featured a record-high energy density of approximate to 300 Wh kg(-1).