Graphene Roadmap Briefs (No. 4): innovation prospects for Li-ion batteries

The present issue of Graphene Roadmap Briefs compiles results on the status and prospects of graphene and related materials (GRM) in Li-ion batteries (LIB) applications. It explores both the technical feasibility and market perspective based on two dedicated innovation interface investigations (3I) carried out in 2017 and 2022, respectively. Each consisted of extensive desk research, expert consultations and an interactive roadmap workshop to aggregate the contemporary innovation prospects for the emerging value chain. The combined results provide us with the unique opportunity to also track key developments in LIB technology and changes in GRM perception in that sector over the course of time. In essence, GRM diffusion as a battery electrode material will likely evolve around high-quality materials that offer superior performance, and not simply around low-cost production of arbitrary GRM types. Si-based LIB anodes constitute a particularly promising application areas for GRMs in LIB. Despite remaining challenges in both R&D and industrial scalability, the increasing commercial interest in Si-based LIB anodes may constitute a driver for overall GRM commercialization, as their functionality is already confirmed.