Recent progress and prospects of Li-CO2 batteries: Mechanisms, catalysts and electrolytes

Combining balanced CO2 emissions with energy storage technologies is an effective way to alleviate global warming caused by CO2 emissions and meet the growing demand for energy supplies. Li-CO2 electrochemical system has attracted much attention due to its promising energy storage and CO2 capture strategy. However, the system is still in the early stages of development and faces huge challenges because of the many problems caused by the slow kinetics of the CO2 electrochemical reaction. In this review, along with introducing the charge-discharge reaction mechanism of Li-CO2 battery, the latest development of the battery's cathode electrode material and electrolyte composition and its impact on electrochemical performance are systematically addressed. A comprehensive understanding of Li-CO2 batteries is intended to provide useful guidance for the development of high-performance and practical advanced Li-CO2 batteries.