Seroka, Ntalane SModibedi, Remegia MZheng, HaitaoKhotseng, LLuo, Hongze2026-05-222026-05-222026-091879-06901364-0321https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2026.117066http://hdl.handle.net/10204/14808Rechargeable batteries in the energy storage sector are seen as both current and future critical energy production and storage technologies. They are essential in the day-to-day of hybrid and electric vehicles, given their reliable sustainability and performance metrics amongst energy storage technologies. The pertinent challenges such as flammable electrolytes, safety concerns, costs, and environmental recovery impede their widespread adoption in energy storage efficiency, i.e lithium-ion batteries. This study gives key insights on lithium-ion batteries that are not limited to reaction mechanisms, storage mechanisms, material development, structural features, and preservation. Provides key aspects in optimal solid electrolyte interfaces and graphite intercalation compounds; investigates innovative materials such as biochar, as well as their composites with graphite. The review delves into reaction mechanics and kinetics in rechargeable batteries and current trends in the advancement of these technologies. Lithium-ion storage in graphite, and nanocomposites with factors influencing oxygen defects, interlayer spacing, and stacking attributes. These structural and morphological properties affect the diffusion pathways within the expansive framework pores of lithium ion, these defects, and in addition improve the surface area. The structural, morphological, and textural and their synergistic effects on the overall performance metrics are also discussed in the paper.FulltextenSustainable energy storageGraphite nanocompositesReaction kineticsBattery technologyInnovative materialsArticleN/A