3D network of graphene materials for alkali metal ion batteries

Abstract

With the rapid advancement of the economy, the commercial landscape of lithium-ion batteries has expanded significantly. However, traditional graphite anodes are often inadequate for applications demanding high energy and power densities, such as in drones and electric vehicles, due to limited capacity and rate capability, necessitating enhancements. Emerging sodium and potassium-ion batteries, with resource availability estimated to be 1000 times that of lithium, are particularly suited for grid-level energy storage, supporting photovoltaic systems. Given the physical and chemical advantages of carbon materials, there has been increasing interest in advanced carbon structures for lithium-, sodium-, and potassium-ion batteries. Notably, 3D network of graphene offers pathways for enhanced ion diffusion and electron transport, and its expanded interlayer spacing holds promise for sodium and potassium storage, potentially improving capacity, power, and longevity as a binder-free anode. This review elucidates the preparation techniques for 3D-network graphene, examines its applications in alkali ion battery cathodes and anodes, and discusses future advancements in this area.