Conversion reactions: a new pathway to realise energy in lithium-ion battery-review

Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries of today operate by an electrochemical process that involves intercalation reactions that warrants the use of electrode materials having very specific structures and properties. Further, they are limited to the insertion of one Li per 3D metal. One way to circumvent this intrinsic limitation and achieve higher capacities would be the use of electrode materials in which the metal-redox oxidation state could reversibly change by more than one unit. Through the discovery of conversion or displacement reactions, it is possible to reversibly change by more than one unit. Further, the need for materials with open structures or good electronic ionic conductivity is eliminated, thus leading to a new area in materials for lithium ion battery. In this paper, we present a review enlightens new reaction schemes and their potential impact on applications.