Hydrogen-bond chemistry in rechargeable batteries

Since the hydrogen bond (HB) was proposed and confirmed by chemists in the 1920s, it has played a very important role in the fields of chemistry, biology, physics, and materials. However, the role of HBs in energy-storage devices has long been neglected. Since the 2000s, we have seen a considerable increase in the study of HB chemistry in a range of energy-storage devices, and we now understand that HB can finely tune electrode and electrolyte properties to improve the electrochemical performance of energy storage devices. This review summarizes the positive effects and action mechanisms of HB regulation in electrode materials, electrolytes, and carrier ions. We also critically discuss potential disadvantages. Further perspectives for regulating HB in electrode materials and electrolytes are provided to guide research on high-performance rechargeable batteries with durability, energy density, voltage tolerance, and freezing resistance.