Chalcogenide-based materials for batteries: state of the art and research perspectives

In the context of the energy transition and the growing demand for electrochemical energy storage, the development of efficient and sustainable battery materials is a major scientific and technological challenge. Chalcogenide-based materials, including sulfides, selenides, and tellurides, have attracted increasing attention due to their versatile structural and electronic properties. This article provides a concise overview of the role of chalcogenides in battery technologies, from their historical contribution to the emergence of lithium-ion batteries to their current applications as intercalation and conversion electrodes, nanostructured negative electrodes, solid electrolytes, and lithium-rich positive electrodes in solid-state batteries. Particular emphasis is placed on the relationships between composition, structure, electrochemical mechanisms, and performance. Finally, the potential of chalcogenide materials for post-lithium battery technologies, such as sodium-, potassium-, and magnesium-ion systems, is discussed, highlighting remaining challenges and future research perspectives.