While lithium resources are scarce for high energy-dense lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), sodium-ion batteries (SIBs), serving as an alternative, inherently suffer from low capacity and the high-cost use of non-graphite anodes. Combining Li- and Na-ions within a single battery system is expected to mitigate the shortcomings of both systems while leveraging their respective advantages. In this study, we developed and assembled a nanodiamonds (NDs)-assisted co-Li/Na-ion battery (ND–LSIB). This innovative battery system comprised a commercial graphite anode, an ND-modified polypropylene (DPP) separator, a hybrid lithium/sodium-based electrolyte, and a cathode. It is theoretically and experimentally demonstrated that the ND/Li co-insertion can serve as an ion-drill opening graphite layers and reconstructing graphite anodes into few-layered graphene with expanding interlayer space, achieving highly efficient Li/Na storage and the theoretical maximum of LiC₆ for Li storage in graphite. In addition, ND is helpful for creating a LiF-/NaF-rich hybrid solid electrolyte interface with improved ionic mobility, mechanical strength, and reversibility. Consequently, ND–LSIBs have higher specific capacities ~1.4 times the theoretical value of LIBs and show long-term cycling stability. This study proposes and realizes the concept of Li/Na co-storage in one ion battery with compatible high-performance, cost-effectiveness, and industrial prospects.

Due to their potential for high energy density, low cost, and environmental sustainability, zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) have emerged as a promising energy storage technology. The performance, safety, and overall efficiency of ZIBs are significantly impacted by the properties of the electrolyte, such as ionic conductivity, electrochemical stability window, viscosity, and compatibility with other battery components. The use of ionic liquids (ILs) in ZIBs has gained extensive attention in recent years due to their desirable properties, such as high thermal stability, low volatility, wide electrochemical window, and tunable physicochemical properties. Therefore, this paper provides a bibliometric analysis of recent advances in the use of ILs as electrolytes in ZIBs. Current research trends, authorship patterns, and publications of ILs in ZIBs are analyzed. Our review reveals a growing interest in the use of ILs as electrolytes in ZIBs, and the development of novel ILs with tailored properties to meet the specific requirements of ZIBs is of a specific focus. This paper provides insights into the recent advancements and future research directions in the field of ILs as electrolytes for ZIBs.