The aspiration to lessen the dependency on fossil fuels and the desire to secure a clean, sustainable energy system have become stronger, resulting in endeavors headed for developing next-generation batteries. Currently, Li-ion batteries are the most commercially successful and dominating battery system. It is well known, however, that the energy densities of current Li-ion batteries are unable to meet the ever-increasing demands of newly emerging technologies. Therefore, investigations of new materials/chemistries and novel architectures are required to go beyond incremental developments in the energy densities of existing batteries.

Silicon or Tin-based anodes and Chalcogen group-based (Sulfur and Oxygen) cathodes have gained much attention for next-generation batteries because they have the potential of providing much higher specific energy than those of current Li-ion batteries. However, there remain fundamental challenges for these systems to be considered as a practically viable option. In this presentation, a brief discussion of scientific challenges and some latest developments in hybrid nanostructured materials for advanced batteries will be provided. In particular, the direct utilization of CO₂ in synthesis of Silicon or Tin-based composite materials will be discussed in the context of improving the energy/power density of current Li-ion batteries. Furthermore, if time allows, our group’s recent efforts based on metal-organic frameworks to extend cycle life of beyond Li-ion (Li/S and Li/O₂) batteries will be introduced.