This study comprehensively investigates three types of graphite materials as potential anodes for potassium-ion batteries. Natural graphite, artificial carbon-coated graphite, and mesocarbon microbeads (MCMB) are examined for their structural characteristics and electrochemical performances. Structural analyses, including HRTEM, XRD, Raman spectroscopy, and laser particle size measurements, reveal distinct features in each graphite type. XRD spectra confirm that all graphites are composed of pure carbon, with high crystallinity and varying crystal sizes. Raman spectroscopy indicates differences in disorder levels, with artificial carbon-coated graphite exhibiting the highest disorder, attributed to its outer carbon coating. Ex-situ Raman and HRTEM techniques on the electrodes reveal their distinct electrochemical behaviors. MCMB stands out with superior stability and capacity retention during prolonged cycling, attributed to its unique spherical particle structure facilitating potassium-ion diffusion. The study suggests that MCMB holds promise for potassium-ion full batteries. In addition, artificial carbon-coated graphite, despite challenges in hindering potassium-ion diffusion, may find applications in commercial potassium-ion battery anodes with suitable coatings. The research contributes valuable insights into potassiumion battery anode materials, offering a significant extension to the current understanding of graphite-based electrode performance.

Comparison of carbon coating and MCMB structures used in graphite anodes for potassium ion batteries
    Abstract
    1 Introduction
    2 Experiment
        2.1 Materials
        2.2  Characteriazation of graphite
        2.3 Cell assembly and disassembly
        2.4 Electrochemical characterization
    3 Results and discussion
    4 Conclusion
    References

• Ruifeng Huang(School of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China)
• Chenghao Xu(School of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China)
• Zuyong Feng(School of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China)
• Miao He(School of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China, The State Key Laboratory of Precision Electronic Manufacturing Technology and Equipment, School of Electromechanical Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China) Corresponding author
• Kunhua Wen(School of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China)
• Li Chen(School of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China)
• Tong Liang(School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangxi University of Science and Technology, Rare Earth Building B512, No.156 Kejia Avenue, Ganzhou City, Jiangxi Province, China)
• Deping Xiong(School of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China)