The Anion–Cation Relay Battery Prototype

• Published in: Small science 2021-01, Vol.1 (1), p.n/a
• Main Authors: Song, Huawei, Su, Jian, Wang, Chengxin
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: anion–cation; high energy/power; membranes; rechargeable batteries; relay insertion/extraction
• ISSN: 2688-4046; 2688-4046
• DOI: 10.1002/smsc.202000030

Relay insertion/extraction chemistry of both anions and cations on the cathode is disclosed for non‐aqueous rechargeable batteries, different from previous metal‐ion batteries (MIBs) and dual‐ion batteries (DIBs) of only positively or negatively charged ions. The “anion–cation relay battery (ACRB)” fully uses both negative and positive ions and offers bright prospects for high‐specific‐energy and large‐rate grid scale energy storage. Proof‐of‐concept ACRBs with commercial Li/Na/K plate as anodes and free‐standing few‐layered graphitic carbon (FLGC) membrane as cathodes demonstrate impressive overall cell performance (a reversible capacity of ≈300 mAh g−1 at 100 mA g−1, service life >23 000 cycles with a retention decay of ≈0.0013% per cycle, and a cathode energy density of ≈370 Wh kg−1 at ≈27 kW kg−1), comparable to the highest level counterparts. The work may set a promising strategy to break the predicament facing by various MIBs and DIBs, and also a direction to forward cost cutting in commercial lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). The basic concepts and working mechanism of anion–cation relay battery prototype are established. This type of battery offers bright prospects for high‐specific‐energy and large‐rate grid scale energy storage by relay insertion/extraction chemistry of both anions and cations on the cathode. The exemplified batteries demonstrate impressive overall performance, comparable to the most advanced counterparts.