Grand challenges and opportunities in next-generation batteries and technologies
The development of advanced Li-ion batteries and technologies generally addresses one of four objectives: 1) create a higher volumetric energy density and/or specific energy/power, 2) impart intrinsically safer chemistry, 3) produce speedier charging, and 4) utilize less expensive batteries but with competitive/near-competitive performances. Certainly, other factors can play a role as well, dependent on the type of market targeted and the availability of global supplies; however, for widespread adoption, the above points/criteria remain salient. Li-ion is commercially well entrenched in industry for communication and transportation (EV) applications. Nowadays, slight iterations, mostly electrolyte-defined, are incrementally improving safety, cost, and cycle or calendar life. The last point, calendar life, is one that is often overlooked for very high-energy dense Li-ion batteries, because of their reactivity at higher charge (OCV conditions) and elevated temperatures. While cycle life is debated with respect to capacity/energy performance decline, attempts to re-purpose the battery itself or recycle the internal chemical constituents at end of life have considerably grown in the field. Hopefully, energy-neutral processes are also considered in the recycling loop. Nevertheless, the energy storage arena is quite large, and this pursuit hinges on pushing the field in one of many directions, toward loftier objectives. The pursuit of next-generation batteries and technologies must thus delve deeper into new and novel chemistry and electrochemistry to create a world with a neutral, carbon-free environment, and one that is solely sufficient on energy-producing renewables such as the Sun and wind-derived means. The application of electricity and chemistry within our world is thus a 21st century opus.