Mechanochemical Approaches for Advancing Lithium-Ion Battery Materials: Synthesis, Processing, and Performance Enhancement

The growing demand for sustainable and high-performance energy storage solutions underscores the importance of advancing lithium-ion battery (LIB) materials. Mechanochemistry has emerged as a transformative tool in this domain, offering a solvent-free, energy-efficient approach to material synthesis, processing, and recycling. This review explores the principles, techniques, and advantages of mechanochemical methods for LIB development, including the synthesis of cathode and anode materials, the fabrication of solid-state electrolytes, and the recycling of critical components. Mechanochemical approaches enable precise control over particle size, morphology, and structural properties, resulting in enhanced electrochemical performance and sustainability. Challenges such as scalability and contamination are addressed alongside opportunities for integrating artificial intelligence and hybrid techniques to optimize processes. Additionally, the review highlights the application of mechanochemistry in emerging battery technologies, such as solid-state and sodium-ion systems, emphasizing its potential to drive the next generation of sustainable energy storage. This comprehensive analysis underscores mechanochemistry's pivotal role in overcoming the limitations of conventional methods, aligning with global efforts toward a greener energy future.