Topic: Novel Alloy-Based Anode Materials for Lithium, Sodium, and Potassium Ion Storage

Alkali metal-ion batteries, such as lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), next-generation sodium-ion batteries (SIBs), and potassium-ion batteries (PIBs), are key enablers for achieving net-zero emissions by transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. The demand for safe secondary batteries with high power, large capacity, and high rate capability is increasing rapidly, leading to extensive research worldwide to explore new electrode materials that can replace the currently used ones.

Alloy-based anode materials for LIBs, SIBs, and PIBs have been actively investigated as they offer a higher specific capacity compared to carbon-based anode materials. However, these materials typically suffer from a large irreversible capacity in the first cycle and poor cycling behavior due to significant volume changes during cycling. Research on alloy-based anodes has concentrated on techniques such as nanoarchitecture design of materials, active/inactive composites, intermetallic compounds, composites with carbonaceous materials, and interesting insertion and conversion reactions. Despite the long history of research on alloy-based anode materials for LIBs, SIBs, and PIBs, a breakthrough is still required to bring out their full potential in these battery systems.

Therefore, this Special Issue of Energy Materials focuses on alloy-based anode materials in the field of LIBs, SIBs, and PIBs, featuring novel concepts, outstanding performance, and interesting reaction mechanisms.