Ionic conductivity in complex metal hydride-based nanocomposite materials: The impact of nanostructuring and nanocomposite formation

Complex metal hydrides have recently gained interest as solid electrolytes for all-solid-state batteries due to their light weight, easy deformability, and fast ion mobility at elevated temperatures. However, increasing their low conductivity at room temperature is a prerequisite for application. In this review, two strategies to enhance room temperature conductivity in complex metal hydrides, nanostructuring and nanocomposite formation, are highlighted. First, the recent achievements in nanostructured complex metal hydride-based ion conductors and complex metal hydride/metal oxide nanocomposite ion conductors are summarized, and the trends and challenges in their preparation are discussed. Then, the reported all-solid-state batteries based on complex metal hydride nanocomposite electrolytes are highlighted. Finally, future research di-rections and perspectives are proposed, both for the preparation of improved metal hydride ion conductors, as well as metal hydride-based all-solid-state batteries. (c) 2021 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. CC_BY_4.0

Automated summary

Complex metal hydrides have gained attention as solid electrolytes for all-solid-state batteries due to their desirable properties. This review highlights two strategies, nanostructuring and nanocomposite formation, to enhance the room temperature conductivity of complex metal hydrides. The achievements in nanostructured complex metal hydride-based ion conductors and complex metal hydride/metal oxide nanocomposite ion conductors are summarized, and the trends and challenges in their preparation are discussed. Furthermore, the reported all-solid-state batteries based on complex metal hydride nanocomposite electrolytes are highlighted. Future research directions and perspectives for improving metal hydride ion conductors and metal hydride-based all-solid-state batteries are proposed.