Molecular redox species for next-generation batteries.

This Tutorial Review describes how the development of dissolved redox-active molecules is beginning to unlock the potential of three of the most promising 'next-generation' battery technologies - lithium-air, lithium-sulfur and redox-flow batteries. Redox-active molecules act as mediators in lithium-air and lithium-sulfur batteries, shuttling charge between electrodes and substrate systems and improving cell performance. In contrast, they act as the charge-storing components in flow batteries.