Strategies for improving rechargeable lithium-ion batteries: From active materials to CO ₂ emissions

The recent past witnessed rapid strides in the development of lithium-based rechargeable batteries. Here, some key technological developments in intercalation, conversion, and alloy-type anode and cathode materials are reviewed. Beyond the active electrode materials, we also discuss strategies for improving electrolytes and current collectors. An outlook with remarks on easily misleading battery characteristics reported in the literature, impending challenges, and future directions in lithium-based rechargeable batteries is provided. Lastly, the authors also emphasize the need for lab-based research at the pouch cell level with practical energy densities, in addition to discussing scalability and economic viability of different battery materials and their architectures.