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Commercial graphite anodes face the problems of high preparation temperature and limited specific capacity in lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). Amorphous carbon anode materials are prepared at low temperatures and have abundant sources and modes of preparation. As a low‐cost carbon source material, anthracite has a practical application value in storing lithium as anode electrodes of LIBs. However, the capacity is not enough to meet the present increasing demand. We added CNTs to enhance the performance of anthracite‐based carbon anodes. The addition of CNTs significantly improves the electrical properties of amorphous carbon anode materials due to their good electronic conductivity. This anthracite‐based carbon with CNTs (A−C) anode displays a specific cycling capacity of 360 mAh ⋅ g−1 at the current density of 200 mA ⋅ g−1 after 200 cycles in LIBs. We believe that the work has far‐reaching significance for improving the practicability of amorphous carbon anode materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among the challenges related to rechargeable magnesium batteries (RMBs) still not resolved are positive electrode materials with sufficient charge storage and rate capability as well as stability and raw material resources. Out of the materials proposed and studied so far, vanadium oxides stand out for these requirements, but significant further improvements are expected and required. They will be based on new materials and an improved understanding of their mode of operation. This report provides a critical review focused on this material, which is embedded in a brief overview on the general subject. It starts with the main strategic ways to design layered vanadium oxides cathodes for RMBs. Taking these examples in more detail, the typical issues and challenges often missed in broader overviews and reviews are discussed. In particular, issues related to the electrochemistry of intercalation processes in layered vanadium oxides; advantageous strategies for the development of vanadium oxide composite cathodes; their mechanism in aqueous, "wet", and dry non-aqueous aprotic systems; and the possibility of co-intercalation processes involving protons and magnesium ions are considered. The perspectives for future development of vanadium oxide-based cathode materials are finally discussed and summarized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]