Impact of Structural Deformations on the Performance of Li-Ion Insertion Hosts

Over the course of more than three decades, Li-ion batteries have come to revolutionize the way we store and transport energy. These incredibly compact electrochemical devices rely fundamentally on the ability to reversibly insert lithium ions into densely packed arrangements of atoms. Of the tens of thousands of materials reported in the structural databases, only a very small number have been shown to be capable of accommodating the kind of fast ionic diffusion necessary to operate in practical devices. In honor of John B. Goodenough's 100th birthday, this perspective will overview the current understanding of the kinds of structural features that help and/or hurt fast lithium ion transport through insertion hosts, with a particular focus on the role that the rotation of rigid subunits plays in the movement of lithium through the solid state.

Automated summary

Li-ion batteries have revolutionized the storage and transportation of energy over the past three decades. Only a small number of materials have been found capable of accommodating fast ionic diffusion necessary for practical devices. This perspective provides an overview of the structural features that aid or hinder fast lithium ion transport, with a particular focus on the role of rotation of rigid subunits.