Introducing a conductive pillar: a polyaniline intercalated layered titanate for high-rate and ultra-stable sodium and potassium ion storage.

A novel electrode material, TiO2-coated polyaniline intercalated layered titanate, is synthesized. Polyaniline is tri-functional: stabilizing the layered titanate structure, enlarging the interlayer spacing and enhancing the electronic conductivity. Such a composite can deliver high capacities of 258 and 219 mA h g−1 in sodium and potassium-ion batteries, respectively. Its high-rate capability and long cycle life are also impressive.