Over-consumption of fossil fuels has caused deficiency of limited resources and environmental pollution. Hence, deployment and utilization of renewable energy become an urgent need. The development of next-generation rechargeable batteries that store more energy and last longer has been significantly driven by the utilization of renewable energy.This book starts with principles and fundamentals of lithium rechargeable batteries, followed by their designs and assembly. The book then focuses on the recent progress in the development of advanced functional materials, as both cathode and anode, for next-generation rechargeable batteries such as lithium-sulfur, sodium-ion, and zinc-ion batteries. One of the special features of this book is that both inorganic electrode materials and organic materials are included to meet the requirement of high energy density and high safety of future rechargeable batteries. In addition to traditional non-aqueous rechargeable batteries, detailed information and discussion on aqueous batteries and solid-state batteries are also provided.

This thesis describes in-depth theoretical efforts to understand the reaction mechanism of graphite and lithium metal as anodes for next-generation rechargeable batteries. The first part deals with Na intercalation chemistry in graphite, whose understanding is crucial for utilizing graphite as an anode for Na-ion batteries. The author demonstrates that Na ion intercalation in graphite is thermodynamically unstable because of the unfavorable Na-graphene interaction. To address this issue, the inclusion of screening moieties, such as solvents, is suggested and proven to enable reversible Na-solvent cointercalation in graphite. Furthermore, the author provides the correlation between the intercalation behavior and the properties of solvents, suggesting a general strategy to tailor the electrochemical intercalation chemistry. The second part addresses the Li dendrite growth issue, which is preventing practical application of Li metal anodes. A continuum mechanics study considering various experimental conditions reveals the origins of irregular growth of Li metal. The findings provide crucial clues for developing effective counter strategies to control the Li metal growth, which will advance the application of high-energy-density Li metal anodes.

Next-Generation Batteries with Sulfur Cathodes provides a comprehensive review of a modern class of batteries with sulfur cathodes, particularly lithium-sulfur cathodes. The book covers recent trends, advantages and disadvantages in Li-S, Na-S, Al-S and Mg-S batteries and why these batteries are very promising for applications in hybrid and electric vehicles. Battery materials and modelling are also dealt with, as is their design, the physical phenomena existing in batteries, and a comparison of batteries between commonly used lithium-ion batteries and the new class of batteries with sulfur cathodes that are useful for devices like vehicles, wind power aggregates, computers and measurement units. Provides solutions for the recycling of batteries with sulfur cathodes Includes the effects of analysis and pro and cons of Li-S, Na-S, Al-S, Mg-S and Zn-S batteries Describes state-of-the-art technological developments and possible applications

The electrochemical storage of energy has become essential in assisting the development of electrical transport and use of renewable energies. French researchers have played a key role in this domain but Asia is currently the market leader. Not wanting to see history repeat itself, France created the research network on electrochemical energy storage (RS2E) in 2011. This book discusses the launch of RS2E, its stakeholders, objectives, and integrated structure that assures a continuum between basic research, technological research and industries. Here, the authors will cover the technological advances as well as the challenges that must still be resolved in the field of electrochemical storage, taking into account sustainable development and the limited time available to us.

The use of nanomaterials in energy conversion and storage represents an opportunity to improve the performance, density and ease of transportation in renewable resources. This book looks at the most recent research on the topic, with particular focus on artificial photosynthesis and lithium-ion batteries as the most promising technologies to date. Research on the broad subject of energy conversion and storage calls for expertise from a wide range of backgrounds, from the most fundamental perspectives of the key catalytic processes at the molecular level to device scale engineering and optimization. Although the nature of the processes dictates that electrochemistry is a primary characterization tool, due attention is given to advanced techniques such as synchrotron studies in operando. These studies look at the gap between the performance of current technology and what is needed for the future, for example how to improve on the lithium-ion battery and to go beyond its capabilities.Suitable for students and practitioners in the chemical, electrochemical, and environmental sciences, Nanomaterials for Energy Conversion and Storage provides the information needed to find scalable, economically viable and safe solutions for sustainable energy.

Nanostructured, Functional, and Flexible Materials for Energy Conversion and Storage Systems gathers and reviews developments within the field of nanostructured functional materials towards energy conversion and storage. Contributions from leading research groups involved in interdisciplinary research in the fields of chemistry, physics and materials science and engineering are presented. Chapters dealing with the development of nanostructured materials for energy conversion processes, including oxygen reduction, methanol oxidation, oxygen evolution, hydrogen evolution, formic acid oxidation and solar cells are discussed. The work concludes with a look at the application of nanostructured functional materials in energy storage system, such as supercapacitors and batteries. With its distinguished international team of expert contributors, this book will be an indispensable tool for anyone involved in the field of energy conversion and storage, including materials engineers, scientists and academics. Covers the importance of energy conversion and storage systems and the application of nanostructured functional materials toward energy-relevant catalytic processes Discusses the basic principles involved in energy conversion and storage systems Presents the role of nanostructured functional materials in the current scenario of energy-related research and development