Photo-assisted rechargeable metal batteries

With the traditional depletion of fossil energy and the growing threat of climate change, the conversion of solar radiation into electric energy is regarded as most promising cost-competitive and sustainable energy utilization. However, the intermittency of solar energy technology limit them to supply power directly. The shortage of the interruption can be solved by storing energy during extremely sunny periods. On one hand, the integration of photo-responsive electrode/device with electrochemical rechargeable metal batteries can directly and effectively store solar energy in batteries. On the other hand, the photo-generated carriers can enhance the kinetics of redox reactions for better rate capability and reduce the polarization of charge/discharge process for higher energy efficiency. From characteristics of rechargeable metal cells and merits of solar energy technology, this review focuses on the working mechanism and structural design of photo-assisted rechargeable metal batteries. In particular, we comprehensively bring forward appraisements of photo-assisted rechargeable batteries based on lightweight metal anodes recent progress in the development of lithium metal, sodium metal and zinc metal-based batteries. After that, we discuss the energy-saving characteristics of integrated devices in the optically assisted charging mode. Finally, we suggest future avenues to expedite the development and research trends of photo-assisted rechargeable metal batteries in field of materials and devices.