Rechargeable Dual-Carbon Batteries: A Sustainable Battery Technology

摘要

Dual-carbon batteries (DCBs) with both electrodes composed of carbonmaterials are currently at the forefront of industrial consideration. Thisis due to their low cost, safety, sustainability, fast charging, and simplerelectrochemistry than lithium and other post-lithium metal-ion batteries.This article provides an overview of the past lessons on rechargeable DCBsand their future promises. In brief, it introduces the reader to DCBs as oneof the most promising energy storage solutions for balancing sustainability,cost and performance, their history, electrochemistry and associatedcharge storage mechanisms. Then, the past lessons with respect to theirion intercalation are provided. These include DCB mechanisms during differentanion/cation intercalation in layered carbons and their intercalationcompounds and electrode structures versus electrochemical performance.This is followed by a description of the current issues affecting DCBs likecapacity fading and self-discharging, electrolyte instability, low energydensities and electrode exfoliation, together with their remedies. Finally,an insightful perspective proposing key areas requiring significant researchefforts toward the success of DCBs is provided responsible for acceleratingthe commercialization and adoption of DCBs toward a sustainable andcircular economy. This article is a simplified guide to understanding thecurrent state and future research needed to develop sustainable DCBs.