In this Review, we aim to provide an updated summary of the research related to hollow micro- and nanostructures, covering both their synthesis and their applications. After a brief introduction to the definition and classification of the hollow micro-/nanostructures, we discuss various synthetic strategies that can be grouped into three major categories, including hard templating, soft templating, and self-templating synthesis. For both hard and soft templating strategies, we focus on how different types of templates are generated and then used for creating hollow structures. At the end of each section, the structural and morphological control over the product is discussed. For the self-templating strategy, we survey a number of unconventional synthetic methods, such as surface-protected etching, Ostwald ripening, the Kirkendall effect, and galvanic replacement. We then discuss the unique properties and niche applications of the hollow structures in diverse fields, including micro-/nanocontainers and rea...

Synthesis, Properties, and Applications of Hollow Micro-/Nanostructures

Transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have attracted considerable attention in recent years due to their unique properties and promising applications in electrochemical energy storage and conversion. However, the limited number of active sites and blocked ion and mass transport severely impair the electrochemical performance of TMDs. Construction of three-dimensional (3D) architectures from TMD nanomaterials has been proven an effective strategy to solve the aforementioned problems due to their large specific surface area and short ion and mass transport distance. Here, we summarize the commonly used routes to build 3D TMD architectures and highlight their applications in electrochemical energy storage and conversion, including batteries, supercapacitors, and electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution. Moreover, the challenges and outlooks in this research area are also discussed.

Three-Dimensional Architectures Constructed from Transition-Metal Dichalcogenide Nanomaterials for Electrochemical Energy Storage and Conversion.

The exploration of anode materials for lithium ion batteries (LIBs) or sodium ion batteries (SIBs) represents a grand technological challenge to meet the continuously increased demand for the high-performance energy storage market Here we report a facile and reliable synthetic strategy for in situ growth of few-layer MoS2 nanosheets on reduced graphene oxide (rGO) cross-linked hollow carbon spheres (HCS) with formation of three-dimensional (3D) network nanohybrids (MoS2-rGO/HCS) Systematic electrochemical studies demonstrate, as an anode of LIBs, the as-developed MoS2-rGO/HCS can deliver a reversible capacity of 1145 mAh g–1 after 100 cycles at 01 A g–1 and a revisible capacity of 753 mAh g–1 over 1000 cycles at 2 A g–1 For SIBs, the as-developed MoS2-rGO/HCS can also maintain a reversible capacity of 443 mAh g–1 at 1 A g–1 after 500 cycles The excellent electrochemical performance can be attributed to the 3D porous structures, in which the few-layer MoS2 nanosheets with expanded interlayers can prov

Three-Dimensional Network Architecture with Hybrid Nanocarbon Composites Supporting Few-Layer MoS2 for Lithium and Sodium Storage.

As a new type of 2D semiconductor, black phosphorus (BP) possesses high charge-carrier mobility and theoretical capacity, thickness-dependent bandgap, and anisotropic structure, which has attracted tremendous attention since early 2014. To explore its full application in all aspects, studies based on BP nanostructures are swiftly expanding from the electronic field to energy storage and even biochemistry. The mechanism and application of BP in Li-/Na-ion battery anodes, oxygen evolution reaction/hydrogen evolution reaction catalysis, photocatalytic hydrogen production, and selective sensors are summarized. Based on the solid research on this topic, feasible improvements and constructive suggestions regarding these four fields are put forward.

Recent Advances on Black Phosphorus for Energy Storage, Catalysis, and Sensor Applications.

Low voltage anode materials for lithium-ion batteries

Inorganic fullerene (IF)-like structured materials have attracted considerable attention for electrochemical energy storage and conversion. In this report, we describe a facile method of synthesizing IF-MoS2 hollow structures with a diameter of ∼100 nm by a facile solution-phase reduction process to obtain a hollow MoSx precursor under ambient pressures before subsequent annealing of the material at high temperatures to form IF-MoS2 nanocages. TEM images at different reaction stages reveal the hollow structure spontaneously arising in the novel “close-edge” nanocages under the assistance of an ammonia cation bubble template. When evaluated as an anode material for lithium ion batteries, ex situ characterization indicates that these IF-MoS2 hollow nanocages can provide large expandable spaces for volume changes occurring during the cycles. Such a highly desired structure offers remarkably improved lithium storage performance including high reversible capacity and good cycling behavior and high rate capability.

Bubble-template-assisted synthesis of hollow fullerene-like MoS2 nanocages as a lithium ion battery anode material

Recently, nitrogen-doped graphene has attracted significant attention for application as an anode in lithium-ion batteries due to effective modulation of the electronic properties of graphene. Herein, we report a facile route to successfully synthesize a series of tin-based materials (including Sn, SnO2, and SnS2) supported on N-doped reduced graphene oxide (N-rGO). Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images indicated that the Sn-based materials were uniformly and tightly dispersed on the surface of N-rGO. When used as an anode in LIBs, the electrochemical performances of the proposed electrodes were systematically investigated and compared. The results show that among these electrodes, SnS2/N-rGO with a matched layered structure delivers the best performance with not only high specific capability but also excellent cycling stability.

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Tin-based materials supported on nitrogen-doped reduced graphene oxide towards their application in lithium-ion batteries

The invention discloses nanometer cage hollow fullerene-like molybdenum disulfide as well as a preparation method and application thereof, and belongs to the technical field of lithium ion battery cathode materials. According to the technical scheme, the nanometer cage hollow fullerene-like molybdenum disulfide is characterized by comprising hollow nanometer cages of which the average diameter is 100 nm and the average wall thickness is 10-30 nm; the hollow nanometer cages are formed by closing fullerene-like molybdenum disulfide lamellas. The invention further discloses the preparation method and application of the nanometer cage hollow fullerene-like molybdenum disulfide to the lithium ion battery cathode materials. The prepared nanometer cage hollow fullerene-like molybdenum disulfide has an appropriate size and stable cage walls of the fullerene-like structure, is applicable to the lithium ion battery cathode materials, can effectively provide an appropriate buffer space for expansion of elemental S generated from charging and discharging, and keeps high discharging capacity and cycling performance.

Xiaoxia Zuo

Papers

Bubble-template-assisted synthesis of hollow fullerene-like MoS2 nanocages as a lithium ion battery anode material

Tin-based materials supported on nitrogen-doped reduced graphene oxide towards their application in lithium-ion batteries

Nanometer cage hollow fullerene-like molybdenum disulfide as well as preparation method and application thereof