NANOSTRUCTURED ELECTRODE MATERIALS FOR LITHIUM BATTERIES

Today, the demand is rapidly growing for batteries that power devices from cell phones to vehicles. Extensive studies have been directed to develop lithium batteries with large capacity, high power, and long cycling life. Compared with traditionally used bulk electrode materials, nanomaterials offer unique properties such as high surface areas, enhanced reactivity, reduced electronic/ionic diffusion length, and improved structural flexibility. This article reviews some recent research activities in the applications of nanostructured electrode materials for primary and rechargeable lithium batteries. It is organized into four sections. The first section introduces the utilization of light elements (especially Li) to construct advanced electrochemical devices for efficient energy storage and conversion, and describes typical structure profiles and involved electrode reactions in lithium batteries. The second and third sections respectively illustrate selective examples of nanostructured cathode and anode materials, addressing the effect of structure, shape, and size on the electrochemical performances. The final part presents the conclusion with some personal remarks on the future research in this filed of using nanomaterials for lithium batteries.