Co-based anode materials for alkaline rechargeable Ni/Co batteries: a review

The Ni/Co battery is a new electrochemical energy storage system for alkaline rechargeable batteries that has been attracting much attention due to its high energy density. This review presents the current R&D status of Co-based materials with a particular focus on Ni/Co batteries, including their underlying principles and the recent progress in Co-based materials (e.g., cobalt oxides and hydroxides, Co-based alloys, and some composites). It emphasizes the relationship of the composition, phase structure and electrochemical properties of Co-based materials that show promise in practical application due to their good electrode performance. The synthesis of novel Co-based materials in nanoscale and low dissolution of active materials into the alkaline solution during cycling are two essential factors favouring the application of this environmentally-friendly battery.