Lithium‐based batteries, history, current status, challenges, and future perspectives

Abstract

Currently, the main drivers for developing Li‐ion batteries for efficient energy applications include energy density, cost, calendar life, and safety. The high energy/capacity anodes and cathodes needed for these applications are hindered by challenges like: (1) aging and degradation; (2) improved safety; (3) material costs, and (4) recyclability. The present review begins by summarising the progress made from early Li‐metal anode‐based batteries to current commercial Li‐ion batteries. Then discusses the recent progress made in studying and developing various types of novel materials for both anode and cathode electrodes, as well the various types of electrolytes and separator materials developed specifically for Li‐ion battery operation. Battery management, handling, and safety are also discussed at length. Also, as a consequence of the exponential growth in the production of Li‐ion batteries over the last 10 years, the review identifies the challenge of dealing with the ever‐increasing quantities of spent batteries. The review further identifies the economic value of metals like Co and Ni contained within the batteries and the extremely large numbers of batteries produced to date and the extremely large volumes that are expected to be manufactured in the next 10 years. Thus, highlighting the need to develop effective recycling strategies to reduce the levels of mining for raw materials and prevention of harmful products from entering the environment through landfill disposal.

Alkali Containing Layered Metal Oxides as Catalysts for the Oxygen Evolution Reaction

“…[56][57][58] Li-rich cathode materials have become widely researched and commercially employed for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). [59] However, gas evolution, i. e. O 2 , CO 2 , H 2 and ethylene, during the operation of LIBs at high voltages, is one of their most significant failure mechanisms. [60] Lithium-layered cathode materials, such as LiCoO 2 , can be used for the OER when employed in aqueous electrolytes.…”

Preparation of GO/Diatomite/Polyacrylonitrile Functional Separator and Its Application in Li–S Batteries

“…Moreover, with natural renewable energy, such as solar, wind, and water energy, being intermittent and unstable in their use, it is difficult to achieve a large-scale stable renewable energy supply; thus, the development of energy storage equipment is particularly important [4,5]. The purpose of rechargeable secondary battery systems is to convert stored chemical energy into electrical energy and exhibit the characteristics of environmental friendliness, high energy density, a high-efficiency conversion rate, and safety [6,7]. Theoretically, Li-S batteries have a high specific capacity (~1675 mAh/g, about 10 times that of traditional lithiumion batteries) and high energy density (~2600 Wh/kg, about 6 times that of traditional lithium-ion batteries) [8].…”

Black Phosphorus Quantum Dots with Exposed (113) Planes on Chemiluminescent Luminol–K3Fe(CN)6 for Detection of Dopamine

“…Among various QDs, metal-free QDs, especially those of pure elements, have attracted widespread research attention because of their low toxicity and excellent properties. Black phosphorus quantum dots (BPQDs) exhibit extraordinary catalytic potential by virtue of their superb electronic conductivity and abundant active sites, , which have been applied in numerous fields. − Many investigations have indicated that the participation of BPQDs in the CL system has provided new avenues to promote the CL emission and expand the application range. − It was found in our previous work that the catalytic effect of BPQDs can significantly boost lucigenin CL, suggesting that BPQDs are promising nanomaterials for CL research . Nonetheless, most of the current CL systems still require an alkaline environment to achieve high-quality CL performance. ,− It should be noted that the strong alkaline conditions lead to a low signal/noise ratio and poor universality of the systems.…”