Earth-Abundant Active Materials for Li/Na-Ion Batteries: Development, Recycling and Manufacturing

Dear Colleagues,

Battery active materials composed of earth-abundant elements are the subject of intensive and extensive research efforts for next-generation Li-ion and Na-ion battery technologies. Considering the various components of battery cells, earth-abundant battery materials encompass a wide range of cathode, anode, and electrolyte systems, as well as processes related to new material development, recycling of spent materials, and large-scale industrial manufacturing.

For cathodes, compounds such as Mn-rich layered oxides, disordered rock salt phases, and Fe-rich materials, including LiFePO₄ and disordered rock salt structures, are regarded as promising earth-abundant candidates. Owing to the critical role of the cathode materials in determining battery cost and energy capacity, these systems are being extensively investigated. On the anode side, Si—as one of the most abundant elements on Earth—represents a highly promising material for achieving high battery capacity. However, mechanical failure still limits its practical application and continues to drive substantial research activity.

In parallel, optimized electrolyte systems are required to enable the formation of stable and favorable electrode–electrolyte interphases, which are essential for enhanced battery performance. This Special Issue, therefore, covers earth-abundant cathode, anode, and electrolyte materials, including advances in material development, recycling of used active materials, and scalable manufacturing strategies.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:   

• Battery active materials synthesis;
• Optimization strategies for enhanced battery performance;
• Electrochemical characterizations;
• Theoretical modeling and calculations;
• Structural characterizations;
• Chemical analysis;
• Recycle methods for used battery active materials;
• Manufacturing strategies for industry scale.

Dr. Peng Zuo
Dr. Jihyeon Gim
Guest Editors

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