Nano Polymorphism-Enabled Redox Electrodes for Rechargeable Batteries

Nano polymorphism (NPM), as an emerging research area in the field of energy storage, and rechargeable batteries, have attracted much attention recently. In this review, the recent progress on the composition and formation of polymorphs, and the evolution processes of different redox electrodes in rechargeable metal-ion, metal–air, and metal–sulfur batteries are highlighted. First, NPM and its significance for rechargeable batteries are discussed. Subsequently, the current NPM modulation strategies of different types of representative electrodes for their corresponding rechargeable battery applications are summarized. The goal is to demonstrate how NPM could tune the intrinsic material properties, and hence, improve their electrochemical activities for each battery type. It is expected that the analysis of polymorphism and electrochemical properties of materials could help identify some “processing–structure–properties” relationships for material design and performance enhancement. Lastly, the current research challenges and potential research directions are discussed to offer guidance and perspectives for future research on NPM engineering.