Alkali-Metal Anodes: From Lab to Market

With an ever-increasing demand for advanced energy storage, the traditional lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), due to their limited energy density, cannot satisfy the key market, especially for the expanding market of electric vehicles. Therefore, it is imperative to discover new advanced materials with high-energy-density battery system. Among all the possible anode materials for rechargeable batteries, alkali-metal batteries (AMBs) are regarded as the most promising candidates due to their high specific capacity and low redox potential. However, poor cycling performance and serious safety implications caused by dendrite growth have limited the commercialization of AMBs. In this review, recent progress in fundamental researches on alkali-metal anodes is highlighted. We attempt to explore the application of AMBs in specific battery systems and connect academia with industry in this field. Finally, we present perspectives on current challenges and future opportunities for the commercial development of AMBs. Alkali-metal batteries (AMBs) are one of the most promising candidates for next-generation high-energy battery systems. However, dendrite growth and serious safety implications limit the commercialization of AMBs. After years of development, the process of bringing alkali-metal anodes from lab to market is still full of tremendous challenges in terms of safety and cycle life. In this review, we divide the commercialization process of alkali-metal anodes into three stages: the first stage is fundamental researches on alkali-metal anodes, the second stage is the application of alkali-metal anodes in high-energy-density battery systems, and the third stage is satisfying the needs of industrialization. We mainly focus on the second and third stages and attempt to establish a relationship between academia and industry in this field. Finally, we give several perspectives on opportunities and challenges in the future development of AMBs for practical applications. Alkali-metal batteries (AMBs) are one of the most promising candidates for next-generation high-energy battery systems. However, dendrite growth and serious safety implications limit the commercialization of AMBs. After years of development, the process of bringing alkali-metal anodes from lab to market is still full of tremendous challenges in terms of safety and cycle life. In this review, we divide the commercialization process of alkali-metal anodes into three stages: the first stage is fundamental researches on alkali-metal anodes, the second stage is the application of alkali-metal anodes in high-energy-density battery systems, and the third stage is satisfying the needs of industrialization. We mainly focus on the second and third stages and attempt to establish a relationship between academia and industry in this field. Finally, we give several perspectives on opportunities and challenges in the future development of AMBs for practical applications.