Bacteria derived nanomaterials for lithium-based batteries

The increasing emphasis on environmental protection and the promotion of renewable energy sources has led to a growing demand for a mutually beneficial approach to efficiently convert pollutants, commonly perceived as ‘trash,’ into valuable energy-storage nanomaterials, considered as ‘treasure’. Correspondingly, bacteria-derived carbon has garnered significant research attention owing to its inherent heteroatom dopants, distinctive nanostructures, and superior electrochemical properties, making it an excellent candidate as an electrode material for lithium-based batteries. More interestingly, a functional carbon-based nanocomposite can be obtained through harnessing the metabolic processes or biomineralization processes of bacteria to produce materials with desirable properties in a bio-assembly approach, thus achieving the convergent goal of engineering high-performance electrode structures while promoting sustainable development. In this mini review, we summarize the recent research on synthesis strategies of bacteria-derived carbon and nanocomposite materials that offer solutions to critical challenges encountered in lithium-ion and lithium-sulfur batteries. Their distinctive structures and properties, providing enhanced electrochemical performance, were further discussed. This review highlights the recent advancements in the convergent fields of microbiology and energy storage materials, offering new insights and inspiration for researching electrode materials obtained from sustainable and environmentally friendly alternatives.