Materials innovation for advanced energy storage

The worldwide shift to decarbonized and stable energy systems is resulting in a strong upsurge in the demand for advanced energy storage technologies. This chapter unveils the innovations of the materials science field that are instrumental in addressing safety issues as well as increasing energy density and reducing the cost of lithium-ion batteries. A main change is the usage of all-solid-state batteries made from ceramic, polymer, and hybrid solid electrolytes which do not catch fire and thus, lithium dendrite growth is diminished. The nanostructuring of electrodes is considered to be very effective in solving the problem of huge volume changes in the anode by applying silicon nanowires and yolk, shell composites. Moreover, the promise of 2D materials such as graphene and MXenes is analyzed together with battery technologies that use “beyond, lithium” chemistries like magnesium, zinc, and aluminum-ion systems. This chapter is a long way from finishing without stressing the importance of a circular economy which is explained through second, life battery application and sophisticated recycling methods like direct recycling and “Design for Recycling” which are the requisites for long-term material sustainability and supply chain resilience.