Energy density is the main property of rechargeable batteries that has driven the entire technology forward in past decades. Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) now surpass other, previously competitive battery types (for example, lead–acid and nickel metal hydride) but still require extensive further improvement to, in particular, extend the operation hours of mobile IT devices and the driving mileages of all-electric vehicles. In this Review, we present a critical overview of a wide range of post-LIB materials and systems that could have a pivotal role in meeting such demands. We divide battery systems into two categories: near-term and long-term technologies. To provide a realistic and balanced perspective, we describe the operating principles and remaining issues of each post-LIB technology, and also evaluate these materials under commercial cell configurations. Post-lithium-ion batteries are reviewed with a focus on their operating principles, advantages and the challenges that they face. The volumetric energy density of each battery is examined using a commercial pouch-cell configuration to evaluate its practical significance and identify appropriate research directions.

Promise and reality of post-lithium-ion batteries with high energy densities

Metal Oxides and Oxysalts as Anode Materials for Li Ion Batteries

Recent developments in cathode materials for lithium ion batteries

High energy-density lithium-ion batteries are in demand for portable electronic devices and electrical vehicles. Since the energy density of the batteries relies heavily on the cathode material used, major research efforts have been made to develop alternative cathode materials with a higher degree of lithium utilization and specific energy density. In particular, layered, Ni-rich, lithium transition-metal oxides can deliver higher capacity at lower cost than the conventional LiCoO2 . However, for these Ni-rich compounds there are still several problems associated with their cycle life, thermal stability, and safety. Herein the performance enhancement of Ni-rich cathode materials through structure tuning or interface engineering is summarized. The underlying mechanisms and remaining challenges will also be discussed.

Nickel‐Rich Layered Lithium Transition‐Metal Oxide for High‐Energy Lithium‐Ion Batteries

As an alternative to conventional inorganic intercalation electrode materials, organic electrode materials are promising candidates for the next generation of sustainable and versatile energy storage devices. In this paper we provide an overview of organic electrode materials, including their fundamental knowledge, development history and perspective applications. Based on different organics including n-type, p-type and bipolar, we firstly analyzed their working principles, reaction mechanisms, electrochemical performances, advantages and challenges. To understand the development history and trends in organic electrode materials, we elaborate in detail various organics with different structures, including conducting polymers, organodisulfides, thioethers, nitroxyl radical polymers and conjugated carbonyl compounds. The high electrochemical performance, in addition with the unique features of organics such as flexibility, processability and structure diversity, provide them great perspective in various energy storage devices, including rechargeable Li/Na batteries, supercapacitors, thin film batteries, aqueous rechargeable batteries, redox flow batteries and even all-organic batteries. It is expected that organic electrode materials will show their talents in the “post Li-ion battery” era, towards cheap, green, sustainable and versatile energy storage devices.

Towards sustainable and versatile energy storage devices: an overview of organic electrode materials

A new coordination polymer based on an aromatic carbonyl ligand is prepared and investigated as a positive active material for lithium ion batteries, namely, [Li2(C6H2O4)] (1). It is synthesized by the dehydration of [Li2(C6H2O4)·2H2O] (2). These compounds are characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), elemental analysis (EA), single crystal X-ray diffraction methods and powder X-ray diffraction (XRD). As positive material, compound 1 has an initial discharge capacity of 176 mAh·g−1 and a columbic efficiency of 93.18% in the first cycle. It might provide a new method for finding new positive-electrode materials in lithium ion batteries.

A Novel Coordination Polymer as Positive Electrode Material for Lithium Ion Battery

Three novel coordination polymers containing dimeric d10 metal units, [Cd(2,3-Pydc)(H2O)2]n (1), [Zn(2,3-Pydc)(H2O)2]n (2), and {[La2Zn3(2,3-Pydc)6(H2O)6]·4H2O}n (3), have been synthesized by hydrothermal reaction of pyridine-2,3-dicarboxylic acid (2,3-Pydc) with d10 metal oxides at a suitable temperature. Complex 1 is a one-dimensional (1D) ladder coordination polymer containing a dimeric Cd2O8N2 unit. Complex 2 forms a two-dimensional (2D) layer built from a unique Zn2O8N2 unit, in which each pair of Zn(II) ions are bridged by two water molecules. Complex 3 is a 2D heterometallic framework by 1D chain linked by Zn(2,3-Pydc) units, where the 1D chain is constructed via dimeric La2O16 units. The photoluminescent studies show that complex 2 illustrates an emission at 417 nm (λex = 363 nm).

Jiangfeng Xiang

Papers

A Novel Coordination Polymer as Positive Electrode Material for Lithium Ion Battery

Syntheses, Structures, and Photoluminescence of Three Novel Coordination Polymers Constructed from Dimeric d10 Metal Units

Hydrothermal synthesis of carbon-coated lithium vanadium phosphate

Rheological phase reaction synthesis and electrochemical performance of Li3V2(PO4)3/carbon cathode for lithium ion batteries

A simple and effective strategy to synthesize Al2O3-coated LiNi0.8Co0.2O2 cathode materials for lithium ion battery