Next-Generation Energy Storage Technologies and Their Key Electrode Materials

In response to energy shortages and environmental concerns, global energy consumption is transitioning from a reliance on fossil fuels to multiple, clean and efficient power sources. Energy storage is central to the development of electric vehicles and smart grids, and hence to the emerging nationally strategic industries. Today, lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are among the most widely used energy storage devices in daily life, but they face a severe challenge to meet the rigorous requirements of energy/power density, cycle life and cost for electric vehicles and smart grids. The search for next-generation energy storage technologies with large energy density, long cycle life, high safety and low cost is vital in the post-LIB era. Consequently, lithium-sulfur and lithium-air batteries with high energy density, and safe, low-cost room-temperature sodium-ion batteries, have attracted increasing interest. In this article, we briefly summarize recent progress in next-generation rechargeable batteries and their key electrode materials, with a particular focus on Li-S, Li-air, and Na-ion batteries. The prospects for the future development of these new energy storage technologies are also discussed.