Recent Advances and Scientometric Insights into Alkali Metal-CO₂ Batteries: Materials, Performance, and Future Directions

Abstract

A comprehensive review and scientometric analysis of alkali metal-CO₂ batteries was conducted using PRISMA guidelines and data from 206 studies.• Lithium, sodium, and potassium-CO₂ batteries configurations were critically compared regarding materials, performance, and technological limitations.• Key challenges identified include anode instability, sluggish CO₂RR/CO₂ER kinetics, and electrolyte degradation under CO₂-rich environments.• Advanced cathode and electrolyte materials, such as MXenes, doped carbons, hybrid electrolytes, and redox mediators, were reviewed for improving reversibility and cycle life.• The study reveals emerging trends, knowledge gaps, and strategic directions to accelerate the development of scalable and efficient metal-CO₂ energy storage systems.