Lithium-free metal batteries are
currently emerging as a viable
substitute for the existing Li-ion battery technology, especially
for large-scale energy storage, ease of problems with lithium availability,
high cost, and safety concerns. However, the economic benefits of
lithium-free batteries, which are often mentioned, have not been studied
in detail until recently. This paper aims to bridge the gap between
academics and industry by advocating the best practices for measuring
performance and proposing recommendations concerning essential parameters,
including capacity, cyclability, Coulombic efficiency, and electrolyte
consumption in novel lithium-free batteries. Here, the monovalent,
divalent, and multivalent lithium-free metal batteries are investigated.
Finally, the technology roadmap of these battery technologies and
their current applications, commercialization, and future technologies
are discussed to open a window for promoting the commercial application
of lithium-free metal batteries.