Materials research advances towards high-capacity battery/fuel cell devices

The world has entered an era featured with fast transportation, instant communication, and prompt technological revolution, the further advancement of which all relies fundamentally, yet, on the development of cost-effective energy resources allowing for durable and high-rate energy supply. Current battery and fuel cell systems are challenged by a few issues characterized either of insufficient energy capacity or of operation instability and, thus, are not ideal for such highly-demanded applications as electrical vehicles, and portable electronic devices. In this mini-review, we present, from materials perspectives, a few selected important breakthroughs in energy resources employed in these applications. Prospectives are then given to look towards future research activities for seeking viable materials solutions for addressing the capacity, durability and cost shortcomings associated with current battery/fuel cell devices.