Materials advances for better Li(Na)-ion batteries: any interest to physicists ?

Proposing new concepts, identifying new materials, and unravelling novel mechanisms, are part of the scientific journey towards the development of successful battery technologies. Some of these different aspects will be addressed through this presentation while showing the physics these compounds may exhibit. 
Dealing with new concepts, we will show how the discovery of a reversible Li-driven anionic redox process among Li-rich layered oxides represents a transformational approach for creating advanced energy electrode materials while bringing back to the scene ligand holes issues in solids; a fertile ground for superconductivity. Lastly, concerning sustainability, we will describe how by manipulating the materials’ composition and by confectioning a new electrolyte formulation via tedious iterations, we could master the Na-ion system for extensive prototyping.
Together, these examples will illustrate the benefits/excitement of carrying out fundamental research on concrete technological problems to maintain practical reality, while broadening our applied scope since some of our synthesized model materials turn out to be attractive for other energy-related applications