The rapid growing of electronic technologies as well as electric vehicles requires the development of new, higher energy and environmental friendly storage systems. In this scenario ideal candidates are the batteries systems and in particular those based on the electrochemical process of lithium, thanks to long calendar-life and to favorable design. However, although this technology is adequate for the consumer electronics market, it has some serious shortcomings when considering implementation in electric vehicles or in grid energy storage applications. In particular limiting factors are related to the low energy density of LiCoO₂ cathodes and graphite anodes. Additionally, the use of Cu as current collector at the anode and also the increasing cost and reducing availability of Co push the research to the development of alternative chemistries exploiting materials environmental friendly, with higher energy density and reduced cost^1-3.

In this contribution, we present new strategies to improve the energy density, increase the safety level and reduce the cost of energy storage systems based on Li process.

References

(1) B. Scrosati, J. Garche, J. Power Sources. 195, 2419-2430, (2010).

(2) Y. Yang, G. Zheng, Y. Cui, Energy Environ. Sci. 6, 1552-1558, (2013).

(3) Whittingham, M. Chem. Rev. 104, 4271-4302, (2004).