Recent progress in the development of carbon-based materials in lead–carbon batteries

Lead-acid batteries (LABs) are widely used as a power source in many applications due to their affordability, safety, and recyclability. However, as the demand for better electrochemical energy storage increases in various fields, there is a growing need for more advanced battery technologies. To meet this need, the application of LABs in hybrid electric vehicles and renewable energy storage has been explored, and the development of lead–carbon batteries (LCBs) has garnered significant attention as a promising solution. LCBs incorporate carbon materials in the negative electrode, successfully addressing the negative irreversible sulfation issue that plagues traditional LABs. Composite material additives and Pb–C composite electrodes have also gained popularity as effective ways to enhance negative electrode performance. This review article focuses on the role of carbon additives in the negative electrode of LCBs and discusses potential future additives that may be incorporated into the development of LCBs. Overall, this article provides insights into the potential of LCBs to offer more efficient and reliable energy storage.