Rational design and construction of aqueous multivalent metal ion battery systems

Abstract

Electronics, electric vehicles, intermittent and irregular renewable energy sources have increased the demand for energy storage. Aqueous rechargeable multivalent ion batteries (AMIBs) have been strongly promoted due to their intrinsic safety, economy, environmental friendliness and excellent electrochemical performance. Extensive effort has been conducted on how their cathode and anode materials can achieve high performance energy storage. However, their development is still hampered by many obstacles. Herein, we review and discuss the energy storage chemistry of the cathode and anode of AMIBs and present their recent progress. The structural features, electrochemical properties and mechanisms, preliminary drawbacks and feasible improvements typical of aqueous zinc ion batteries (AZIBs) and aqueous aluminum ion batteries (AAIBs) are highlighted. Progress in theoretical simulations of their energy storage modes is then reviewed. Finally, we summarize the challenges of AMIBs and the prospects and insights for their future development.