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

Energy-storage technologies, including electrical double-layer capacitors and rechargeable batteries, have attracted significant attention for applications in portable electronic devices, electric vehicles, bulk electricity storage at power stations, and “load leveling” of renewable sources, such as solar energy and wind power. Transforming lithium batteries and electric double-layer capacitors requires a step change in the science underpinning these devices, including the discovery of new materials, new electrochemistry, and an increased understanding of the processes on which the devices depend. The Review will consider some of the current scientific issues underpinning lithium batteries and electric double-layer capacitors.

Challenges Facing Lithium Batteries and Electrical Double‐Layer Capacitors

Recent developments in cathode materials for lithium ion batteries

Lithium-excess manganese layered oxides, which are commonly described by the chemical formula zLi2MnO3−(1 − z)LiMeO2 (Me = Co, Ni, Mn, etc.), are of great importance as positive electrode materials for rechargeable lithium batteries. In this Article, LixCo0.13Ni0.13Mn0.54O2−δ samples are prepared from Li1.2Ni0.13Co0.13Mn0.54O2 (or 0.5Li2MnO3−0.5LiCo1/3Ni1/3Mn1/3O2) by an electrochemical oxidation/reduction process in an electrochemical cell to study a reaction mechanism in detail before and after charging across a voltage plateau at 4.5 V vs Li/Li+. Changes of the bulk and surface structures are examined by synchrotron X-ray diffraction (SXRD), X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS). SXRD data show that simultaneous oxygen and lithium removal at the voltage plateau upon initial charge causes the structural rearrangement, including a cation migration process from metal to lithium layers, which is also supported ...

Detailed Studies of a High-Capacity Electrode Material for Rechargeable Batteries, Li2MnO3−LiCo1/3Ni1/3Mn1/3O2

A review of lithium ion battery failure mechanisms and fire prevention strategies

The effects of TiO2 coating on the electrochemical performance of Li[Li0.2Mn0.54Ni0.13Co0.13]O2 cathode material for lithium-ion battery

Structural and electrochemical characterization of xLi[Li1/3Mn2/3]O2·(1 − x)Li[Ni1/3Mn1/3Co1/3]O2 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.9) as cathode materials for lithium ion batteries

Xiao-Jian Guo

Papers

The effects of TiO2 coating on the electrochemical performance of Li[Li0.2Mn0.54Ni0.13Co0.13]O2 cathode material for lithium-ion battery

Structural and electrochemical characterization of xLi[Li1/3Mn2/3]O2·(1 − x)Li[Ni1/3Mn1/3Co1/3]O2 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.9) as cathode materials for lithium ion batteries

The studies on structural and thermal properties of delithiated LixNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 (0 < x <= 1) as a cathode material in lithium ion batteries

Effects of preparation methods of LiNi0.8Co0.2O2 cathode materials on their morphology and electrochemical performance