Abstract:
Since their invention more than 200 years ago, “galvanic cells” have been
developed as versatile electrochemical storage devices – with storage
capacities extending over 8 orders of magnitude; from small and ultrastable batteries for medical devices to large-scale grid storage systems. In
this lecture, the current status of high-performance batteries will be briefly
reviewed, and the most important cell concepts will be discussed (lithium
ion batteries, sodium ion batteries, solid state batteries, post-lithium
concepts). The role of solid state chemistry and electrochemistry, along
with organic/polymer chemistry and materials science will be highlighted.
Two major examples for remaining challenges will be presented in more
details, i.e., the quest for even higher energy densities and the search for
cell concepts with less critical supply chains. In any example, the critical role
of controlling chemical reactivity will be emphasized