There is an ever-growing demand for rechargeable batteries with reversible and efficient electrochemical energy storage and conversion. Rechargeable batteries cover applications in many fields, which include portable electronic consumer devices, electric vehicles, and large-scale electricity storage in smart or intelligent grids. The performance of rechargeable batteries depends essentially on the thermodynamics and kinetics of the electrochemical reactions involved in the components (i.e., the anode, cathode, electrolyte, and separator) of the cells. During the past decade, extensive efforts have been dedicated to developing advanced batteries with large capacity, high energy and power density, high safety, long cycle life, fast response, and low cost. Here, recent progress in functional materials applied in the currently prevailing rechargeable lithium-ion, nickel-metal hydride, lead acid, vanadium redox flow, and sodium-sulfur batteries is reviewed. The focus is on research activities toward the ionic, atomic, or molecular diffusion and transport; electron transfer; surface/interface structure optimization; the regulation of the electrochemical reactions; and the key materials and devices for rechargeable batteries.

Functional Materials for Rechargeable Batteries

Investigation of structure and mechanical properties of TiZrHfNiCuCo high entropy alloy thin films synthesized by magnetron sputtering

Electrochemical properties and hydrogen storage mechanism of perovskite-type oxide LaFeO3 as a negative electrode for Ni/MH batteries

Comparisons of metallic clusters imbedded in the surface oxide of AB2, AB5, and A2B7 alloys

The consistency in capacity degradation in a multi-cell pack (>100 cells) is critical for ensuring long service life for propulsion applications. As the first step of optimizing a battery system design, academic publications regarding the capacity degradation mechanisms and possible solutions for cycled nickel/metal hydride (Ni/MH) rechargeable batteries under various usage conditions are reviewed. The commonly used analytic methods for determining the failure mode are also presented here. The most common failure mode of a Ni/MH battery is an increase in the cell impedance due to electrolyte dry-out that occurs from venting and active electrode material degradation/disintegration. This work provides a summary of effective methods to extend Ni/MH cell cycle life through negative electrode formula optimizations and binder selection, positive electrode additives and coatings, electrolyte optimization, cell design, and others. Methods of reviving and recycling used/spent batteries are also reviewed.

Capacity Degradation Mechanisms in Nickel/Metal Hydride Batteries

http://krc.cecri.res.in/ro_2008/116-2008.pdf

Influence of temperature on the electrochemical characteristics of MmNi3.03Si0.85Co0.60Mn0.31Al0.08 hydrogen storage alloys

http://krc.cecri.res.in/ro_2009/072-2009.pdf

Influence of electroless coatings of Cu, Ni-P and Co-P on MmNi3.25Al0.35Mn0.25Co0.66 alloy used as anodes in Ni-MH batteries

Electrochemical properties of MmNi3.03Si0.85Co0.60Mn0.31Al0.08 hydrogen storage alloys in alkaline electrolytes—A cyclic voltammetric study at different temperatures

M. Raju

Papers

Influence of temperature on the electrochemical characteristics of MmNi3.03Si0.85Co0.60Mn0.31Al0.08 hydrogen storage alloys

Influence of electroless coatings of Cu, Ni-P and Co-P on MmNi3.25Al0.35Mn0.25Co0.66 alloy used as anodes in Ni-MH batteries

Electrochemical properties of MmNi3.03Si0.85Co0.60Mn0.31Al0.08 hydrogen storage alloys in alkaline electrolytes—A cyclic voltammetric study at different temperatures

Rapid charging characterization of MmNi3.03Si0.85Co0.60Mn0.31Al0.08 alloy used as anodes in Ni–MH batteries