Lithium versus Mono/Polyvalent Ion Intercalation: Hybrid Metal Ion Systems for Energy Storage.
The energy storage by redox intercalation reactions is, nowadays, the most effective rechargeable ion battery. When lithium is used as intercalating agents, the high energy density is achieved at an expense of non-sustainability. The replacement of Li+ with cheaper monovalent ions enables to make greener battery alternatives. The utilization of polyvalent ions instead of Li+ permits to multiplying the battery capacity. Contrary to Li+ , the realization of quick and reversible intercalation of bigger monovalent and of polyvalent ions is a scientific challenge due to kinetic constraints, polarizing ion effects and Coulomb interactions. Herein we provide a vision how to make the intercalation of these ions feasible. The idea is to perform dual intercalation of ions having different charges, radii, preferred coordination and diffusion pathway topology. All these features are demonstrated by the recent knowledge on selective and non-selective intercalation properties of oxides and polyanion compounds with layered and tunnel structures. Based on dual intercalation properties, the fabrication of hybrid metal ion batteries is presented and discussed.