With a long cycle life, high rate capability, and facile cell fabrication, liquid metal batteries are regarded as a promising energy storage technology to achieve better utilization of intermittent renewable energy sources. Nevertheless, conventional liquid metal batteries need to be operated at relatively high temperatures (>240 °C) to maintain molten-state electrodes and high conductivity of electrolytes. Intermediate and room-temperature liquid metal batteries, circumventing complex thermal management as well as issues related to sealing and corrosion, are emerging as a novel energy system for widespread implementation. In this Outlook, we elaborate the appealing features of fusible alloys-based liquid metals for energy storage devices and describe the metallurgical fundamentals, cost, and safety analysis of fusible alloys. Recent advances are discussed covering the rational screening of metallic alloys, interfacial engineering on the electrodes, and design of advanced electrolytes. In the end, we provide perspectives on current challenges and future opportunities in this field. This outlook not only aims to provide a design principle for high performance liquid metal batteries, but also inspires further development of novel energy systems beyond conventional solid-state batteries and high-temperature batteries.

中文翻译：

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基于易熔合金化学的下一代液态金属电池。

液态金属电池具有长循环寿命，高倍率能力和便捷的电池制造能力，被认为是一种有希望的储能技术，可以更好地利用间歇性可再生能源。然而，常规的液态金属电池需要在相对较高的温度（> 240°C）下运行，以保持熔融状态的电极和电解质的高电导率。规避复杂的热管理以及与密封和腐蚀有关的问题的中级和室温液态金属电池，正在成为一种广泛应用的新型能源系统。在本《展望》中，我们详细介绍了用于储能设备的易熔合金基液态金属的吸引人的特征，并描述了易熔合金的冶金学基础，成本和安全性分析。讨论了最近的进展，包括金属合金的合理筛选，电极上的界面工程以及高级电解质的设计。最后，我们提供有关该领域当前挑战和未来机会的观点。该观点不仅旨在提供高性能液态金属电池的设计原理，而且还激发了除常规固态电池和高温电池以外的新型能源系统的进一步开发。