A forum on batteries: From lithium-ion to the next generation

The 2019 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to three pioneers of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs)-Prof. John B. Goodenough at the University of Texas, Prof. M. StanleyWhittingham at the State University of New York and Mr. Akira Yoshino at the Asahi Corporation of Japan, which is a great encouragement to the whole field. LIBs have been developed for several decades with the progress slowing down and their performances approaching some theoretical limits. On the other hand, new types of batteries or power systems, including solid-state batteries, sodium-ion batteries, lithium-sulfur batteries and fuel cells, are being steadily developed, offering new choices for divergent applications. In this panel discussion chaired by NSR editorial board member Huiming Cheng, battery experts gather to discuss the challenges and trends of LIBs, the developments and applications of next-generation batteries, as well as the status quo of the battery research and industry in China. © The Author(s) 2020.