Carbonyl-based organic electrode materials spanning from nonaqueous rechargeable lithium to calcium batteries

Abstract

Electrochemical energy storage systems, particularly rechargeable batteries, show great potential in efficiently implementing intermittent renewable energies into a current energy network. In light of the superior natural abundant element and moderate specific energy, rechargeable calcium batteries (RCBs) have attracted wide attention, as complementary technology to the prevailing rechargeable lithium batteries (RLBs). However, calcium chemistry differs drastically from the existing lithium chemistry (e.g., electrochemical kinetics and potential), calling for ingenious design of key battery materials (e.g., electrodes and electrolytes). Carbonyl-based organic electroactive materials (OEMs) exhibit fast electrochemical kinetics, high reversible capacity and excellent capacity retention, being promising for constructing high-performance rechargeable batteries. In this work, the carbonyl-based compounds in either discrete or polymeric/immobilized forms, being utilized as OEMs for calcium and lithium-based rechargeable batteries, are scrutinized, with due consideration given to similarities and distinctions between two battery systems. Concentrating on carbonyl-based OEMs, significant impacts from electrode–electrolyte interphases/interfaces and electrolyte components are presented. Furthermore, the existing challenges and opportunities for improving the electrochemical performances of carbonyl-based materials in RCBs are provided. This work may serve as a spur for the practical deployment of sustainable and high-energy rechargeable batteries.