Recent advances in topological quantum anode materials for metal-ion batteries

The 2019 Nobel Prize in Chemistry and the 2016 Nobel Prize in Physics were awarded for the research of lithiumion batteries and topological quantum materials, respectively, which have greatly promoted the advances in these two fields. The high rate performance of a battery requires the anode to be conductive not just ionically but also electronically. This criterion has significantly stimulated the study of novel conducting anode materials by using topological quantum materials that can intrinsically exhibit high electrical conductivity with high stability protected by topology. Since the first study on this subject [PNAS 114, 651 (2017)], enormous attention has been paid to this field. In this review, we focus on summarizing the current progress of using 3D porous topological semimetal anodes composed of light elements such as boron, carbon, and silicon for Li, Na, and K ion batteries. In addition, topological insulators as battery anodes are also discussed. These advances would further energize the research in this interdisciplinary field that bridges condensed matter physics and battery technology.