Work

Decoding performance breakthroughs of non-aqueous calcium-based batteries: Recent developments and future perspectives

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Non-aqueous calcium-based batteries encompass three parallel technical branches: conventional rocking-chair calcium-ion batteries (CIBs), calcium metal batteries, and calcium mixed-ion batteries. All three categories feature abundant calcium reserves, appropriate redox potentials and multi-electron reaction properties, making them an important development direction for next-generation high-energy-density energy storage technologies. Among various electrolyte alternatives for these calcium-based batteries, non-aqueous electrolyte systems possess a broad electrochemical stability window, which effectively boosts the operating voltage and energy density of calcium-based systems, making them a central research focus to date. However, in conventional non-aqueous carbonate/ether electrolytes and O/F-coordinating hosts, the high charge density of divalent Ca 2+ readily induces the formation of a strong solvation structure, which not only leads to high desolvation energy barriers and sluggish ion transport but also triggers issues such as electrode structural instability, thus seriously restricting their practical application. Therefore, this review systematically summarizes recent advances in key components (cathode, anode, and electrolyte) of these calcium-based battery systems. From the perspective of microscopic interaction mechanisms, it explores ion-host interactions, encompassing both coordination bonding in solvation structures, lattice sites, and polyhedral configurations, and non-covalent weak interactions such as van der Waals forces and electrostatic adsorption, along with interfacial evolution and solvation structure regulation, thereby revealing the fundamental origins of the limitations in energy storage mechanisms and intrinsic system defects. This review aims to clarify the key structure-property relationships, outline development pathways involving synergistic optimization of components, microenvironment regulation, and the integration of multi-scale theory and characterization, thereby providing a theoretical basis and systematic guidance for the rational design of high-performance calcium-based batteries.

Source: Coordination Chemistry Reviews

DOI: 10.1016/j.ccr.2026.218597

Authors: Jun Cong, Shaohua Luo, Shengxue Yan, Jing Guo, Qing Wang

Institution: Northeastern University

Language: English

Topic: Advanced battery technologies research

Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $5,740