Lithium-Free Batteries: Needs and Challenges

Lithium-free metal batteries are currently emerging as a viable substitute for the existing Li-ion battery technology, especially for large-scale energy storage, ease of problems with lithium availability, high cost, and safety concerns. However, the economic benefits of lithium-free batteries, which are often mentioned, have not been studied in detail until recently. This paper aims to bridge the gap between academics and industry by advocating the best practices for measuring performance and proposing recommendations concerning essential parameters, including capacity, cyclability, Coulombic efficiency, and electrolyte consumption in novel lithium-free batteries. Here, the monovalent, divalent, and multivalent lithium-free metal batteries are investigated. Finally, the technology roadmap of these battery technologies and their current applications, commercialization, and future technologies are discussed to open a window for promoting the commercial application of lithium-free metal batteries.

Automated summary

This paper investigates lithium-free metal batteries and aims to bridge the gap between academia and industry by advocating best practices and recommendations for measuring performance and key parameters, in order to promote the commercial application of these batteries for large-scale energy storage.