Recently, the research team led by Professor Kang Feiyu and Associate Professor Zhai Dengyun from the Tsinghua University Shenzhen International Graduate School, in collaboration with Professor Feng Guang of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, has made a series of significant strides in the synthesis and structural design of Prussian blue cathode materials. Sodium-ion and potassium-ion batteries represent crucial avenues for large-scale electrochemical energy storage. However, their cathode material, Prussian blue, still necessitates further exploration in terms of innovative synthesis techniques, microscopic structural manipulation, and the structural evolution of energy storage mechanisms.

The research team delved into the existence forms and regulatory mechanisms of anion vacancies within the Prussian blue structure. They proposed a strategy centered on regulating the valence states of reactants to achieve controllable generation of structural vacancies, thereby enhancing both cycle stability and rate performance. Furthermore, they introduced an indirect reduction method that increased the vacancy content within the structure, yielding Prussian blue analog materials characterized by a layered arrangement. When employed as an anode for lithium-ion batteries, this material demonstrated a high specific capacity and exceptional rate performance.

Additionally, the research team has developed various scalable synthesis methods for Prussian blue cathode materials and has applied for patents for these innovative approaches.