Graphene-based nano-materials for lithium-sulfur battery and sodium-ion battery

Graphene-based nano-materials have provided an opportunity for next-generation energy storage device, particularly for lithium-sulfur battery and sodium-ion battery (SIB), due to their unique properties. This review comprehensively summarizes the present achievements and the latest progress of inorganic nano-materials/graphene composites as the electrode materials for Li-S battery and SIBs. Electrochemical principles, performances and key obstructions of graphene-based materials in the actual application are considered. This review gathers and classifies updated knowledge about Li-S battery and SIB nanomaterials related to graphene, with the aim of offering a wide view of those systems. It is concluded that cost-effective SIBs and Li-S battery are promising next-generation battery candidates in the near future, but require further investigation and improvement to deal with some critical scientific issues. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.