Materials for Multivalent Batteries

Dear Colleagues,

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are currently the leading energy storage technology for various applications. Nevertheless, the availability and supply chain risks of the raw minerals for LIBs have been a hot topic under constant debate. Increasing demands in consumer electronics, electrified transportation, and renewable energy power grids have spurred the search for “beyond Li-ion” technologies that can provide increased energy and power density, improved safety, low cost, long life, and sustainability. Among the systems being explored, multivalent (MV) batteries are promising to overcome the aforementioned limitations. MV batteries are battery systems that employ multivalent ions (e.g., Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, and Al³⁺), which have the benefits of using more earth-abundant elements than Li-ion batteries and are attractive because they provide higher energy density and better safety. However, challenges also accompany opportunities, as the multivalent ion charge transfer and transport are usually complex, and significant work needs to be done in developing suitable electrode materials, electrolytes, and interfaces. The present Special Issue solicits manuscripts addressing topics including but not limited to the following:

• Cathode materials for MV batteries (e.g., Mg, Ca, Al, Zn);
• Redox flow batteries;
• Ion transport in MV battery electrolytes;
• Solid electrolyte interface/interphase in MV batteries;
• Stability of MV metals;
• Advanced characterization;
• Modeling of MV batteries.

Dr. Claire Xiong
Prof. Dr. Sean Li
Dr. Wu Xu
Guest Editors

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