Rational material design for ultrafast rechargeable lithium-ion batteries

Abstract

Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are important electrochemical energy storage devices for consumer electronics and emerging electrical/hybrid vehicles. However, one of the formidable challenges is to develop ultrafast charging LIBs with the rate capability at least one order of magnitude (>10 C) higher than that of the currently commercialized LIBs. This tutorial review presents the state-of-the-art developments in ultrafast charging LIBs by the rational design of materials. First of all, fundamental electrochemistry and related ionic/electronic conduction theories identify that the rate capability of LIBs is kinetically limited by the sluggish solid-state diffusion process in electrode materials. Then, several aspects of the intrinsic materials, materials engineering and processing, and electrode materials architecture design towards maximizing both ionic and electronic conductivity in the electrode with a short diffusion length are deliberated. Finally, the future trends and perspectives for the ultrafast rechargeable LIBs are discussed. Continuous rapid progress in this area is essential and urgent to endow LIBs with ultrafast charging capability to meet huge demands in the near future.

A colloidoscope of colloid-based porous materials and their uses

“…For example, with a high surface area ( Figure 27A) with controlled composition, high charging rates can be maintained in capacitors, and short charge transport distances are possible. 458 The macroporosity ( Figure 27B) is useful for ion diffusion through the structure, especially in batteries. 458 Additionally, because active battery materials can undergo large volume changes, macropores allow the material to expand without breaking the structure.…”

“…458 The macroporosity ( Figure 27B) is useful for ion diffusion through the structure, especially in batteries. 458 Additionally, because active battery materials can undergo large volume changes, macropores allow the material to expand without breaking the structure. Finally, the length scale is commensurate with the wavelength of visible light, allowing these colloidal materials to be used for increasing photon absorption in solar cells.…”

General Synthesis of Transition Metal Oxide Ultrafine Nanoparticles Embedded in Hierarchically Porous Carbon Nanofibers as Advanced Electrodes for Lithium Storage

“…Correspondingly, coating or hybridizing nano-TMOs with conductive carbon nanomaterials provides an advanced avenue for enhancing the power and energy densities and initially improving the cycling stability. [32][33][34][35][36] The carbon matrix could act as not only a matrix to enhance the conductivity, but also as a buffer to accommodate the volume changes and prevent particle aggregation during repeated charging-discharging processes, significantly enhancing lithium insertion and extraction.…”

Recent Progress in Self‐Supported Metal Oxide Nanoarray Electrodes for Advanced Lithium‐Ion Batteries

“…For example, the battery of iPhone 6s (≈1715 mAh in capacity) theoretically takes over 1.5 hours to be fully charged with a standard 1 A USB charger, which is much longer than the ideal charging time (<5 min). Unfortunately, pursuing fast charging rate always brings trade‐offs such as sacrificing the existing capacity or inducing safety hazards 11. Hence, advanced LIBs with high rate performance are highly desirable.…”