PNNL

Abstract

Batteries have shaped the modern world to an extent far beyond that of other technologies. This success is the result of the intense collaboration between Academia and Industry that took shape in the past several decades culminating with the advent and improvements of rechargeable Li-ion batteries. However, as applications are getting more demanding, stunted growth in the performance of commercial batteries risks to slow down the adoption of important technologies, such as electric vehicles. Yet, the scientific literature is full of reports describing material designs with allegedly superior performances. A large gap needs to be filled if we wish these lab-based achievements reach commercialization. In this Perspective we discuss some of the most relevant testing parameters that are often overlooked in academic literature, but that are critical for the practical applicability of lab-scale research. Metrics, such as anode energy density, voltage hysteresis, mass of the non-active cell components and anode/cathode mass ratio, will be explained and recommendation for future reporting will be made at the end of each section. We hope that this Perspective, together with other similar guiding principles that have recently started to emerge, will aid the transition from lab-scale research to next-generation practical batteries