Advanced Functional Materials, Vol.24, No.16, 2267-2279, 2014
Complex Hydrides for Electrochemical Energy Storage
Complex hydrides have energy storage-related functions such as i) solid-state hydrogen storage, ii) electrochemical Li storage, and iii) fast Li- and Na-ionic conductions. Here, recent progress on the development of fast Li-ionic conductors based on the complex hydrides is reported. The validity of using them as electrolytes in all-solid-state lithium rechargeable batteries is also examined. Not only coated oxides but also bare sulfides are found to be applicable as positive electrode active materials. Results related to fast Na-ionic conductivity in the complex hydrides are presented. In the last section, the future prospects for battery assemblies with high-energy densities, and Mg ion batteries with the liquid and the solid-state electrolytes are discussed.