We provide a perspective on recent progress in the application of nanomaterials in energy storage devices, such as supercapacitors and batteries.
Can nanomaterials be used for energy storage devices?
In this Special Issue of Nanomaterials, we present recent advancements in nanomaterials and nanotechnology for energy storage devices, including, but not limited to, batteries, Li-ion batteries, Li–S batteries, electric double-layer capacitors, hybrid capacitors and fuel cells.
(a) Schematic illustration of different applications dependency on nanomaterials such as energy generation, energy storage, energy transmission and energy conversion (b) Hypothetical free-energy panorama defining the usual state of materials in the natural world through development and interactions .
Specific attention is given to inorganic nanomaterials for advanced energy storage, conservation, transmission, and conversion applications, which strongly rely on the optical, mechanical, thermal, catalytic, and electrical properties of energy materials.
Can inorganic nanomaterials improve battery performance?
In addition to theoretical investigations, numerous experimental results have demonstrated that inorganic nanomaterials can significantly enhance the performance of batteries, such as zinc-air, Li-S, sodium-ion, and Li-ion batteries. Compounds like Mn 1−x Fe x P with substitutions at the nanoscale have been developed as anodes for Li-ion batteries.
Can nanostructures be used for rechargeable batteries?
Further, it closely examines the latest advances in the application of nanostructures and nanomaterials for future rechargeable batteries, including high-energy and high-power lithium ion batteries, lithium metal batteries (Li-O2, Li-S, Li-Se, etc.), all-solid-state batteries, and other metal batteries (Na, Mg, Al, etc.).
The versatility of nanomaterials can lead to power sources for portable, flexible, foldable, and distributable electronics; electric transportation; and grid-scale storage, as well as integration in living environments and biomedical systems.