Recent progress in 2D inorganic non-conductive materials for alkali metal-based batteries

Abstract

The urgent need for new energy storage devices has promoted studies on alkaline metal-based batteries with high energy density and long life. In this case, two-dimensional (2D) inorganic non-conductive materials have exhibited unique physicochemical properties, making them ideal candidates for energy storage and conversion owing to their planar structure, high surface-to-volume ratio, and non-electronic conductive nature. Among the 2D inorganic non-conductive materials, hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN), graphitic nitride (g-C₃N₄), montmorillonite (MMT), and vermiculite (VMT) have shown potential application in alkaline metal-based batteries. Herein, the strategies developed for the synthesis of these inorganic two-dimensional non-conductive materials in recent years and their applications as electrode material additives, metal anode supports, and building blocks of solid interfacial and separator additives in alkali metal-based batteries are comprehensively reviewed. Subsequently, challenges associated with the use of 2D materials in alkali metal-based batteries to improve their performance are discussed and possible solutions are proposed. These 2D inorganic non-conductive materials have potential to be widely used in alkali-based batteries in the future considering their unique structure and properties.