Bio‐Derived Materials Achieving High Performance in Alkali Metal–Chalcogen Batteries

Abstract

AbstractAlkali metal–chalcogen batteries (ACBs) have attracted significant attention as next‐generation energy storages because of high energy density and reasonable cost as compared to the up‐to‐date lithium‐ion batteries. Nevertheless, their practical applications are harshly inhibited by some drawbacks, such as shuttle effects resulting from dissolved polysulfides and polyselenides, chalcogen volume expansion, and dendrite growth on metal anodes. Functional components, such as chalcogen host, binder, and interlayer, using various polar materials have been introduced to address these issues. Among them, bio‐derived materials are regarded as novel eco‐friendly alternatives. In this report, the authors focus on the unique physical/chemical/environmental properties of bio‐derived materials used in ACBs, including active host materials, polymer binders, separators, and additives. The authors hope that the present report can provide some new insights and directions for future research on high‐performance ACBs.