The use of graphene in lithium-ion batteries has shown promising potential to significantly improve battery performance. Although technological advancements have been made, the widespread application of graphene-based battery components remains challenging. The article 'Graphene Roadmap Briefs No. 4' published in the journal 2D-Materials highlights the central trends since 2017 and future prospects for the commercialization of graphene in battery technology.

Graphene, due to its unique electronic, mechanical, and chemical properties, is considered a promising material for the further development of lithium-ion batteries (LIB). The publication 'Graphene Roadmap Briefs (No. 4): innovation prospects for Li-ion batteries' summarizes the key progress and challenges in the development and commercialization of graphene-based lithium-ion batteries, focusing on graphene-based silicon anodes.

Graphene can improve the energy density of batteries, offer advantages in fast-charging capabilities, and enhance the stability and lifespan of batteries through its integration into silicon anodes. However, the stability of silicon anodes currently does not match that of conventional graphite anodes. The cost-effective production methods for graphene-based batteries are still lacking, and the prices of graphene and related materials have remained unexpectedly high in the past.

➀ The EU project led by Empa significantly improved batteries for electric vehicles over four years;

➁ The goal was to scale new materials and technologies to market as quickly as possible;

➂ The project developed a new battery module with higher energy density, better environmental footprint, and improved safety features.

➀ This study examines the fabrication of nanoporous helium-silicon thin films for lithium-ion battery anodes using a plasma-assisted co-deposition process;

➁ The research focuses on addressing the volume expansion issue of silicon during lithiation and delithiation processes;

➂ The study demonstrates the potential of He-Si co-deposition thin films for high-performance LIB applications.

➀ Researchers at Anhalt University of Applied Sciences are developing a new thermal recycling method for lithium-ion batteries to recover valuable materials like lithium, cobalt, aluminum, copper, and nickel.

➁ The current mechanical recycling processes have limitations and inefficiencies, leading to only half of lithium-ion batteries being recycled.

➂ The project aims to develop an efficient process in a reactor oven that can achieve high recovery rates of valuable materials from both small and large batteries.