Comment
M. Stanley Whittingham, Binghamton University (SUNY), Chemistry Department, USA
M. Stanley Whittingham, Binghamton University (SUNY), Chemistry Department, USA
Lithium-ion batteries have come from an idea to dominate electrochemical energy storage. They are now in a position to enable the large-scale introduction of renewable energy, as well as electrifying transportation, which will leave a cleaner and more sustainable environment for the next generation. There are ample scientific opportunities to further improve the performance and safety. Today’s cells attain only 25% of their theoretical value. However, as the energy density is increased, the safety tends to be compromised. Examples will include: the soft TiS2 lattice, the layered oxides, LiMO2, and Li2VOPO4, a proof of concept for a two-electron transfer. These opportunities and the technical challenges that need to be overcome will be described in order to open up a discussion.