An overview on lithiated materials as an effective approach for improving battery performance

Nowadays, lithium batteries (Li-ion, LiS, and LiO2) have received lots of attention due to their applications. The quest forcreating an “ideal battery” that meets the needs of humans has always been a difficultchallenge. Achieving this goes beyond simply selecting the right electrolyte. In addition to having strong mechanical properties, an ideal electrolyte should also possess a lithium transference number of unity, high ionic conductivity at room temperature, and a wide electrochemical window. Many polymer electrolytes exhibit good mechanical properties and electrochemical stability windows, and if lithiated, they can also demonstrate high ionic conductivity and a good lithium transference number. The process of “lithiation” involves the addition of lithium to a material's structure either chemically or through lithium-containing particles. This process is not limited to just electrolytes and separators, but can also be utilized in the artificial solid electrolyte interphase and electrode binders in lithium batteries which can result in improvement of battery cyclic performance during the charge-discharge process. This can result in benefits like a higher lithium transference number, increased ion conductivity, the creation of Li+ pathways, enhanced electrode/electrolyte interface, and reduced dendrite growth, ultimately leading to improved overall battery performance. Therefore, the use of lithiation as a method to move closer to achieving the “ideal electrolyte” and ultimately the “ideal battery” is explored in this review article.