Perspective on Lewis Acid-Base Interactions in Emerging Batteries.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Chemical Engineering

Background:

• Lewis acid-base interactions are fundamental in chemistry, influencing material properties across synthesis, catalysis, semiconductors, and energy storage.
• These interactions enable precise control over material characteristics at molecular and macroscopic levels, crucial for technological applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the application of Lewis acid-base interactions in designing advanced battery materials and understanding their mechanisms.
• To explore the role of Lewis acid-base interactions in various battery chemistries, including aqueous, lithium-ion, solid-state, alkali metal-sulfur, and alkali metal-oxygen batteries.

Main Methods:

• Introduction to Lewis acid-base theories.
• Discussion of application strategies for Lewis acid-base interactions in both solid-state and liquid-based battery systems.
• Analysis of underlying mechanisms, including ion transport, electrochemical stability, mechanical properties, reaction kinetics, dendrite growth, and corrosion.

Main Results:

• Lewis acid-base interactions offer versatile strategies for enhancing battery performance by tuning material properties.
• These interactions are applicable across diverse battery components, including electrolytes (liquid and solid polymer), metal anodes, and high-capacity cathodes.
• Understanding Lewis acid-base mechanisms provides insights into critical performance factors like ion mobility, stability, and longevity.

Conclusions:

• Lewis acid-base interactions are a powerful tool for materials design and mechanistic understanding in next-generation batteries.
• Continued research into these interactions is vital for developing safer, more efficient, and higher-performing energy storage solutions.
• Future directions involve leveraging Lewis acid-base principles to overcome current limitations and unlock new battery technologies.