Leigang Xue

Potassium-ion Batteries (KIBs) have emerged as the only credible critical-mineral-free alternative to LFP Lithium-ion Batteries (LIBs). Group1 will present an update on the advancements toward commercializing a low-cost, high-energy 3.7V KIB and practical gravimetric energy target of 180Wh/kg. This breakthrough is facilitated by a 4V Potassium Prussian White (KPW) cathode, an organic electrolyte, and a graphite anode.

The shift to LFP-based LIBs, driven by major OEMs like Tesla, Ford, and GM, underscores a strategic focus on cost-effectiveness and safety, notably steering clear of Co and Ni. Group1’s KIB represents the next leap in sustainable battery technology, further eliminating Li and Cu while maintaining energy density and improving charging rates. Group1 enables KIB technology that ensures  (1) a domestic resilience and supply chain, (2) compatibility with commercially available graphite anodes, and (3) seamless integration — fitting into existing LiB manufacturing infrastructure and cell design.

The key to realizing the practical widespread adoption of KIBs lie in the KPW cathode material, stemming from the laboratory of Nobel laureate Professor John B. Goodenough at UT-Austin. With a 4V voltage and a 156 mAh/g theoretical capacity, KPW materials offer superior energy densities on par with LiFePO4. Importantly, KPW is compatible with the current LIB electrolyte systems and graphite anode (theoretical capacity 279 mAh/g). This is a significant advantage to KIBs over sodium-ion batteries (NIBs) which are not compatible with this industry-standard anode technology.

While the cathode, anode, and electrolyte of KIBs integrate seamlessly into existing LIB manufacturing processes, the adaptation and optimization of each component in this promising cell chemistry, along with their synergistic effects within the cell, remain areas that Group1 is actively addressing. We estimate that 80% of know-how in LIBs maps to KIBs, but the remaining 20% presents a fertile opportunity for Group1 technical leadership and academic inquiry. Group1 efforts are founded on excellence in KPW material design and pragmatic KIB technology development, which involves optimizing individual components and the overall cell system from coin-cells and pouch-cells to 18650s. We will report data establishing KIB as a credible alternative to LFP and highlighting KIBs potential, poised to achieve 180 Wh/kg and endure over 3000 cycles.