The lightest energy storage device

Provided by the Springer Nature SharedIt content-sharing initiative Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) rechargeable batteries have been expected to be lightweight energy storage devices with the highest gravimetric energy density at the single-cell level reaching up to 695 Wh kg (cell)−1, having also an ultralow rate of 0.005 C only in the first discharge.

Lithium-ion batteries have become the dominant energy storage technology due to their high energy density, long cycle life, and suitability for a wide range of applications. However, several key challenges need to be addressed to further improve their performance, safety, and cost-effectiveness.

Lithium-ion batteries play a crucial role in providing power for spacecraft and habitats during these extended missions . The energy density of lithium-ion batteries used in space exploration can exceed 200 Wh/kg, facilitating efficient energy storage for the demanding requirements of deep-space missions . 5.4. Grid energy storage

Energy storage technologies have emerged as crucial enablers of this energy revolution, bridging the gap between energy generation and consumption . Energy storage technologies improve grid stability by capturing surplus energy during low-demand and releasing it during peak demand.

The past decade and beyond have been marked by a continual quest for higher energy density, longer cycle life, and safer lithium-ion batteries. Graphite anodes have been optimized, and next-generation materials such as silicon-carbon composites and lithium-sulfur (Li-S) have been explored to boost energy storage capacity .

However, few reviews discuss the effect of lightweight materials on the energy density of LSBs from the perspective of the whole battery system. Herein, the application of lightweight materials in LSBs from six aspects: liquid electrolyte, solid electrolyte, cathode, anode, separator, and current collector is discussed.