A review of recent advances, current limitations, and remedies of lithium-ion batteries for advanced technological applications

Sustainable energy has become a focal point of innovation in recent years. Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), the most prevalent energy storage systems, are widely used in automobiles, consumer electronics, and renewable energy applications. However, traditional, commercially available LIBs have both advantages and significant limitations. These limitations arise from various reactions occurring within the cell that hinder their application scope and effectiveness. Continuous charging and discharging induce stress in the electrodes, while heat generation destabilizes active materials. Additionally, electrode-electrolyte interactions lead to the degradation of both components. These factors collectively contribute to the poor performance often experienced in LIBs. To address these issues, researchers have explored modifying existing materials through additives, stabilizers, reinforcements, and surface coatings. New materials, such as metal-oxide-based electrodes, alloys, composites, nanomaterials, and advanced electrolytes, have also been developed, capable of withstanding stress, operate across a wide temperature range, and reduce impedance by improving electrode-electrolyte interactions. They also aim to offer high-capacity storage and long cycle life. However, a research gap is found where little report has been made in regards to combining 3D electrode architectures and solid-state electrolytes (SSEs). This review goes on to show that synergizing these new materials holds the potential to deliver highly stable cells without compromising structural integrity (the electrode’s mechanical framework and interfacial cohesion under the stresses of lithiation/delithiation, temperature swings, and volume changes) and storage capacity over prolonged usage periods.