Metal-CO₂ batteries: Mechanisms and advanced materials

For a long time, climate and energy issues have been of widespread concern to countries around the world. The emergence of metal-CO₂ batteries is expected to solve the above problems at the same time. On the one hand, metal-CO₂ batteries can absorb a large amount of greenhouse gas (mainly CO₂). On the other hand, they can provide continuous electricity for human beings. However, the current research on metal-CO₂ batteries is still in its infancy. To better understand the research status of metal-CO₂ batteries and promote the further development of metal-air batteries, this chapter first summarizes and compares the charge-discharge reaction mechanisms of metal-CO₂ batteries based on anode metals with different valences. After that, the focus is on the currently available highly catalytically active cathode materials and most of the electrolytes that have been applied. Finally, the development direction of metal-CO₂ battery materials and applications in different environments are prospected.