A Review on Nanomaterials for Improving the Electrochemical Performance of the Next-Generation Lithium-Ion Batteries

The rapid development of electric vehicles, portable electronics, and renewable energy storage has stimulated the demand for Lithium-Ion Batteries (LIBs) with higher energy density, better rate capabilities, enhanced cycling stability, improved safety, and fast-charging capabilities. Nanomaterials have emerged as an effective approach to address the limitations of traditional LIB components owing to their high surface area, shortened ion diffusion pathways, adjustable structures, and improved electrochemical performance. This review critically evaluates recent developments in nanomaterials for LIBs, focusing on their applications in anodes, cathodes, and electrolytes. Anodes including silicon, carbon-based nanomaterials, transition-metal oxides, binary metal oxides (BMOs), and binary transition-metal oxides (BTMOs) are discussed in terms of capacity, reaction kinetics, and structural stability. Nanostructured cathodes, including lithium iron phosphate, nickel-manganese-cobalt oxides, transition-metal sulfides, and zinc-manganese oxides, are evaluated with respect to lithium-ion transport, rate capability, capacity retention, and structural stability. Nanomaterial-modified liquid and solid-state electrolytes are further examined. Moreover, this review discusses also the challenges that accompany the use of nanomaterials. Consequently, future research should prioritize the need to overcome the challenges to translating nanoscale materials advances into safe, durable, high-performance, and commercially viable next-generation LIBs.