LAUSR

Na-ion batteries (SIBs) and K-ion batteries (PIBs) are considered as promising alternatives to Li-ion batteries (LIBs) for large-scale electrical-energy-storage applications. Thus, developing an advanced anodic material with appropriate structure for both SIBs and PIBs are urgently desirable but remain an eager challenge because the relatively larger ionic radius of Na+ or K+. Herein, we rationally design a sulfur-mediated three-dimensional graphene aerogel (SMGA) with plant cell wall structure as binder-free anodic materials for SIBs and PIBs as well as LIBs, exhibiting high capacity and excellent rate capability along with long cycling stability. For instance, at 0.1 A g-1, the SMGA anodes can deliver a high capacity of 320 mAh g-1 in PIBs after 500 cycles, 304 mAh g-1 in SIBs and 690 mAh g-1 in LIBs after 200 cycles. Furthermore, a detailed electrochemical kinetic calculation manifests the Li/Na/K-ions storage capability is mainly ascribed to the introduction of sulfur in graphene aerogel (GA) to enlarge the interlayer distance, the 3D interconnected network with porous structure providing sufficient space to accommodate volumetric expansion and short transport pathway for electrons/alkali-ions. Our results demonstrate advanced performance of alkali-ion batteries, thus making it possible to develop a universal electrode in applications of cost-effective next generation rechargeable batteries.