Progress and obstacles in electrode materials for lithium-ion batteries: a journey towards enhanced energy storage efficiency

Abstract

This review critically examines various electrode materials employed in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) and their impact on battery performance. It highlights the transition from traditional lead-acid and nickel–cadmium batteries to modern LIBs, emphasizing their energy density, efficiency, and longevity. It primarily focuses on cathode materials, including LiMn₂O₄, LiCoO₂, and LiFePO₄, while also exploring emerging materials such as organosulfides, nanomaterials, and transition metal oxides & sulfides. It also presents an overview of the anode materials based on their mechanism, e.g., intercalation–deintercalation, alloying, and conversion-type anode materials. The strengths, limitations, and synthesis techniques associated with each material are discussed. This review also delves into cathode materials, such as soft and hard carbon and high-nickel systems, assessing their influence on storage performance. Additionally, the article addresses safety concerns, recycling strategies, environmental impact evaluations, and disposal practices. It highlights emerging trends in the development of electrode materials, focusing on potential solutions and innovations. This comprehensive review provides an overview of current lithium-ion battery technology, identifying technical challenges and opportunities for advancement to promote efficient, sustainable, and environmentally responsible energy storage solutions. This review also examines the issues confronting lithium-ion batteries, including high production costs, scarcity of materials, and safety risks, with suggestions to address them through doping, coatings, and incorporation of nanomaterials.