Li-ion battery technology has become very important in recent years as these batteries show great promise as power sources that can lead us to the electric vehicle (EV) revolution. The development of new materials for Li-ion batteries is the focus of research in prominent groups in the field of materials science throughout the world. Li-ion batteries can be considered to be the most impressive success story of modern electrochemistry in the last two decades. They power most of today's portable devices, and seem to overcome the psychological barriers against the use of such high energy density devices on a larger scale for more demanding applications, such as EV. Since this field is advancing rapidly and attracting an increasing number of researchers, it is important to provide current and timely updates of this constantly changing technology. In this review, we describe the key aspects of Li-ion batteries: the basic science behind their operation, the most relevant components, anodes, cathodes, electrolyte solutions, as well as important future directions for R&D of advanced Li-ion batteries for demanding use, such as EV and load-leveling applications.

Challenges in the development of advanced Li-ion batteries: a review

Electrolytes and interphases in Li-ion batteries and beyond.

Metal Oxides and Oxysalts as Anode Materials for Li Ion Batteries

Thermal runaway caused fire and explosion of lithium ion battery

Review on recent progress of nanostructured anode materials for Li-ion batteries

Presented herein is a discussion of the forefront in research and development of advanced electrode materials and electrolyte solutions for the next generation of lithium ion batteries. The main challenge of the field today is in meeting the demands necessary to make the electric vehicle fully commercially viable. This requires high energy and power densities with no compromise in safety. Three families of advanced cathode materials (the limiting factor for energy density in the Li battery systems) are discussed in detail: LiMn1.5Ni0.5O4 high voltage spinel compounds, Li2MnO3–LiMO2 high capacity composite layered compounds, and LiMPO4, where M = Fe, Mn. Graphite, Si, LixTOy, and MO (conversion reactions) are discussed as anode materials. The electrolyte is a key component that determines the ability to use high voltage cathodes and low voltage anodes in the same system. Electrode–solution interactions and passivation phenomena on both electrodes in Li-ion batteries also play significant roles in determining stability, cycle life and safety features. This presentation is aimed at providing an overall picture of the road map necessary for the future development of advanced high energy density Li-ion batteries for EV applications.

A review of advanced and practical lithium battery materials

http://ch.biu.ac.il/files/ch/shared/staff/u26/2012electro_acta.pdf

Study of the electrochemical behavior of the “inactive” Li2MnO3

Study of the nanosized Li2MnO3: Electrochemical behavior, structure, magnetic properties, and vibrational modes

Rechargeable batteries are complicated devices in which three bulk zones (electrodes, electrolyte solution) and two interfaces have to work simultaneously and coherently, without any side reactions. The study of electrode materials and electrode–solution interfaces of rechargeable batteries requires the use of first-rate techniques for structure and surface analysis, in conjunction with electrochemical methods. The use of in situ techniques in which spectroscopy, diffractometry, or microscopy are measured in conjunction with an electrochemical response may be highly important and beneficial for battery research. We review herein the use of in situ Fourier transform–infrared spectroscopy, Raman, X-ray absorption, mass spectrometry, X-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy, scanning tunneling microscopy, and electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance techniques for research and development of rechargeable Li and Mg batteries.

S. Francis Amalraj

Papers

A review of advanced and practical lithium battery materials

Study of the electrochemical behavior of the “inactive” Li2MnO3

Study of the nanosized Li2MnO3: Electrochemical behavior, structure, magnetic properties, and vibrational modes

The use of in situ techniques in R&D of Li and Mg rechargeable batteries

Phase Transitions in Li2MnO3 Electrodes at Various States-of-Charge