Recent Developments of Nanomaterials and Nanostructures for High‐Rate Lithium Ion Batteries

Lithium ion batteries have been considered as a promising energy‐storage solution, the performance of which depends on the electrochemical properties of each component, including cathode, anode, electrolyte and separator. Currently, fast charging is becoming an attractive research field due to the widespread application of batteries in electric vehicles, which are designated to replace conventional diesel automobiles in the future. In these batteries, rate capability, which is closely linked to the topology and morphology of electrode materials, is one of the determining parameters of interest. It has been revealed that nanotechnology is an exceptional tool in designing and preparing cathodes and anodes with outstanding electrochemical kinetics due to the well‐known nanosizing effect. Nevertheless, the negative effects of applying nanomaterials in electrodes sometimes outweigh the benefits. To better understand the exact function of nanostructures in solid‐state electrodes, herein, a comprehensive review is provided beginning with the fundamental theory of lithium ion transport in solids, which is then followed by a detailed analysis of several major factors affecting the migration of lithium ions in solid‐state electrodes. The latest developments in characterisation techniques, based on either electrochemical or radiology methodologies, are covered as well. In addition, state‐of‐the‐art research findings are provided to illustrate the effect of nanomaterials and nanostructures in promoting the rate performance of lithium ion batteries. Finally, several challenges and shortcomings of applying nanotechnology in fabricating high‐rate lithium ion batteries are summarised. Through the eye of a needle: Fast charging has attracted extensive research interest with the market share of the related products soaring in the last decade. Nanotechnology has been treated as an effective approach in preparing materials with properties, which could potentially overcome the shortcomings of current electrodes for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). This Review provides a comprehensive overview regarding recent application of nanotechnology in assisting the fabrication of high‐rate LIBs.