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.

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 book covers the most recent advances in the science and technology of nanostructured materials for lithium-ion application. With contributions from renowned scientists and technologists, the chapters discuss state-of-the-art research on nanostructured anode and cathode materials, some already used in commercial batteries and others still in development. They include nanostructured anode materials based on Si, Ge, Sn, and other metals and metal oxides together with cathode materials of olivine, the hexagonal and spinel crystal structures.

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.

This book provides comprehensive coverage of Lithium (Li) metal anodes for rechargeable batteries. Li is an ideal anode material for rechargeable batteries due to its extremely high theoretical specific capacity (3860 mAh g-1), low density (0.59 g cm-3), and the lowest negative electrochemical potential (−3.040 V vs. standard hydrogenelectrodes). Unfortunately, uncontrollable dendritic Li growth and limited Coulombic efficiency during Li deposition/stripping inherent in these batteries have prevented their practical applications over the past 40 years. With the emergence of post Liion batteries, safe and efficient operation of Li metal anodes has become an enabling technology which may determine the fate of several promising candidates for the next generation energy storage systems, including rechargeable Li-air batteries, Li-S batteries, and Li metal batteries which utilize intercalation compounds as cathodes. In this work, various factors that affect the morphology and Coulombic efficiency of Li anodes are analyzed. The authors also present the technologies utilized to characterize the morphology of Li deposition and the results obtained by modeling of Li dendrite growth. Finally, recent developments, especially the new approaches that enable safe and efficient operation of Li metal anodes at high current densities are reviewed. The urgent need and perspectives in this field are also discussed. The fundamental understanding and approaches presented in this work will be critical for the applicationof Li metal anodes. The general principles and approaches can also be used in other metal electrodes and general electrochemical deposition of metal films.

Volume 3 of a 4-volume series is a concise, authoritative and an eminently readable and enjoyable experience related to lithium ion battery design, characterization and usage for portable and stationary power. Although the major focus is on lithium metal oxides or transition metal oxide as alloys, the discussion of fossil fuels is also presented where appropriate. This monograph is written by recognized experts in the field, and is both timely and appropriate as this decade will see application of lithium as an energy carrier, for example in the transportation sector. This Volume focuses on the fundamentals related to batteries using the latest research in the field of battery physics, chemistry, and electrochemistry. The research summarised in this book by leading experts is laid out in an easy-to-understand format to enable the layperson to grasp the essence of the technology, its pitfalls and current challenges in high-power Lithium battery research. After introductory remarks on policy and battery safety, a series of monographs are offered related to fundamentals of lithium batteries, including, theoretical modeling, simulation and experimental techniques used to characterize electrode materials, both at the material composition, and also at the device level. The different properties specific to each component of the batteries are discussed in order to offer tradeoffs between power and energy density, energy cycling, safety and where appropriate end-of-life disposal. Parameters affecting battery performance and cost, longevity using newer metal oxides, different electrolytes are also reviewed in the context of safety concerns and in relation to the solid-electrolyte interface. Separators, membranes, solid-state electrolytes, and electrolyte additives are also reviewed in light of safety, recycling, and high energy endurance issues. The book is intended for a wide audience, such as scientists who are new to the field, practitioners, as well as students in the STEM and STEP fields, as well as students working on batteries. The sections on safety and policy would be of great interest to engineers and technologists who want to obtain a solid grounding in the fundamentals of battery science arising from the interaction of electrochemistry, solid-state materials science, surfaces, and interfaces.

This book covers both the fundamental and applied aspects of advanced Na-ion batteries (NIB) which have proven to be a potential challenger to Li-ion batteries. Both the chemistry and design of positive and negative electrode materials are examined. In NIB, the electrolyte is also a crucial part of the batteries and the recent research, showing a possible alternative to classical electrolytes – with the development of ionic liquid-based electrolytes – is also explored. Cycling performance in NIB is also strongly associated with the quality of the electrode-electrolyte interface, where electrolyte degradation takes place; thus, Na-ion Batteries details the recent achievements in furthering knowledge of this interface. Finally, as the ultimate goal is commercialization of this new electrical storage technology, the last chapters are dedicated to the industrial point of view, given by two startup companies, who developed two different NIB chemistries for complementary applications and markets.