Abstract: To address the urgent demand for advanced energy storage systems, this study integrates three major strategies for next-generation potassium-ion batteries (PIBs), with a focus on the design of high-performance electrode materials. Our approach centers on: (1) optimizing anode materials via nanostructuring, interface engineering, multi-element alloying, and catalytic enhancement to improve electrochemical performance and cycle life; and (2) developing high volumetric energy density systems through high-mass-loading electrodes and high-entropy cathodes to meet practical application needs. The optimization of electrode materials is carried out through five key directions:
(a) Heterostructured electrodes are developed to enhance ion/electron transport and modulate electronic properties such as Fermi level, bandgap, and charge separation via engineered interfaces. Tailored synthesis strategies and control over spatial arrangement improve interfacial effects and electrochemical output.
(b) High-entropy electrodes exploit the entropy-stabilized structure and lattice distortions to minimize volume changes during cycling, thus improving capacity retention and addressing issues of power density and elemental dependency.
(c) Tunable solid-solution electrodes utilize synergistic effects between bimetallic components to boost electrochemical active sites. Substituting sulfur with Se or Te enhances charge transfer and ion diffusion due to their larger atomic size and lower electronegativity, while improving conductivity.
(d) Electrochemically reconstructed electrodes involve phase or structure evolution during cycling, including conversion, alloying, and intercalation reactions. These changes lead to adaptive structure optimization, enabling high capacity and prolonged cycling.
(e) Single-atom catalytic electrodes feature atomically dispersed metal sites with low coordination environments, promoting fast redox kinetics and improved rate capabilities. Strong bonding between single atoms and supports enhances charge transfer and reaction efficiency.
Collectively, these strategies aim to unlock the full potential of potassium-ion storage technologies by enabling high energy, long life, and sustainable electrode design.

Biography: Prof. Tuan is a Distinguished Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at National Tsing Hua University, Taiwan. His research focuses on the synthesis of advanced nanomaterials and their applications in energy storage and conversion, with particular emphasis on translating fundamental materials research toward practical applications. He has published more than 130 papers in leading international journals, including Energy & Environmental Science, Journal of the American Chemical Society, Advanced Science, ACS Nano, Chemical Engineering Journal, Energy Storage Materials, Nano Energy, and Journal of Materials Chemistry A. His publications have received more than 12,000 citations, and seven of his papers have been recognized as Highly Cited Papers by Clarivate. He also holds 10 patents. His research has made significant contributions to the development of advanced battery materials and related energy technologies.

Prof. Tuan has received numerous prestigious national and international honors. These include the Outstanding Asian Researcher and Engineer Award from the Society of Chemical Engineers, Japan (SCEJ), as well as election as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3), the Institute of Physics (IOP), the International Association of Advanced Materials (IAAM), the Australian Institute of Energy (AIE), and the Vebleo International Scientific Organization, in recognition of his contributions to battery materials and technology. He has also received a number of major academic awards, among which the most notable include Taiwan’s Ministry of Science and Technology Outstanding Research Award, which he received twice, in 2020 and 2023; the Mr. Kai-Ying Jin Award, the Professor Mao Gao-Wen Award, and the Professor Tsai-Tzer Lai Award from the Taiwan Institute of Chemical Engineers (TwIChE); the IAAM Medal; and the IIP International Lifetime Achievement Award for Distinguished Inventors.