Materials for lithium-ion batteries

This chapter introduces materials for the cathode, anode, and electrolyte of Li-ion batteries (LIBs), which make up the structural and chemical foundations for an electrochemical battery cell. In this chapter, we will discuss the development and application of battery materials ever since the invention of LIBs in 1970s. We further investigate the advantages and disadvantages of varying battery materials from the electrochemical, structural, environmental, and safety perspectives. Afterwards, we summarize the trends for the development of next-generation battery materials to resolve the standing issues of current battery materials. Last but not the least, this chapter will present the practical design principles and limitations of battery materials, which are essential for the development and operation of battery cells.