The use of two-dimensional materials in high-temperature rechargeable batteries: Current issues and preventative measures

As their name suggests, energy storage systems are used for the on-demand supply and storage of energy. However, the development of high-capacity energy storage systems that can be stably operated at high temperatures remains a challenge, as exemplified by the occurrence of thermal runaway in rechargeable batteries, especially in harsh environments. In view of the above, the increasing demand for rechargeable (e.g., Li-ion) batteries necessitates the development of safer power sources operable at high temperatures and requires the collective contribution of chemists, materials scientists, and engineers to gain a deep understanding of the thermal runaway mechanism and take preventative measures. Currently, thermal runaway is prevented by the use of safety devices and/or inherent safety methods. The latter approach involves the design of electrodes and electrolytes (including the separator) to increase the thermal stability of rechargeable batteries and is faced by the challenge of finding a compromise between electrochemical performance and thermal stability. The discovery of graphene and its outstanding properties gave rise to a new class of two-dimensional (2D) (nano)materials that are believed to offer a solution to the above problem and have therefore attracted increased research attention. However, the applications of most non-graphene 2D materials have been underexplored, since these materials have been discovered only very recently, and the corresponding research has mainly focused on investigating their properties and synthesis routes. In this review, we outline the progress in the development of safe and high-performance rechargeable batteries based on 2D nanomaterials, focusing on sustainable battery operation under high-temperature conditions.