Progress in materials applications for new-generation secondary batteries

The status of research and development on advanced batteries in Japan is reviewed. The three types of batteries attracting the most interest are: (1) nickel-metal hydride batteries, (2) secondary lithium batteries, and (3) secondary batteries using solid electrolytes. The advances made in the development of these batteries are described from the viewpoint of the application of new materials. The materials used for batteries come from multidisciplinary research. Hydrogen-storage alloys and conducting polymers are examples of materials with interdisciplinary origins