Electrospun hollow nanofibers for advanced secondary batteries
TL;DR: In this article, a comprehensive overview of the preparation of electrospun inorganic hollow nanofibers and their applications in advanced secondary batteries is provided, where the correlation between geometric properties of hollow structures and their performance is highlighted.
About: This article is published in Nano Energy.The article was published on 2017-09-01. It has received 187 citations till now. The article focuses on the topics: Nanofiber & Electrospinning.
Citations
More filters
TL;DR: This work aims to provide a comprehensive overview of electrospun nanofibers, including the principle, methods, materials, and applications, and highlights the most relevant and recent advances related to the applications by focusing on the most representative examples.
Abstract: Electrospinning is a versatile and viable technique for generating ultrathin fibers. Remarkable progress has been made with regard to the development of electrospinning methods and engineering of electrospun nanofibers to suit or enable various applications. We aim to provide a comprehensive overview of electrospinning, including the principle, methods, materials, and applications. We begin with a brief introduction to the early history of electrospinning, followed by discussion of its principle and typical apparatus. We then discuss its renaissance over the past two decades as a powerful technology for the production of nanofibers with diversified compositions, structures, and properties. Afterward, we discuss the applications of electrospun nanofibers, including their use as "smart" mats, filtration membranes, catalytic supports, energy harvesting/conversion/storage components, and photonic and electronic devices, as well as biomedical scaffolds. We highlight the most relevant and recent advances related to the applications of electrospun nanofibers by focusing on the most representative examples. We also offer perspectives on the challenges, opportunities, and new directions for future development. At the end, we discuss approaches to the scale-up production of electrospun nanofibers and briefly discuss various types of commercial products based on electrospun nanofibers that have found widespread use in our everyday life.
2,289 citations
TL;DR: Recent progress in new emerging parameters for successful coaxial electrospinning, and the various nanostructures and critical application areas resulting from these activities are described.
Abstract: Electrospinning, a common method for synthesizing 1D nanostructures, has contributed to developments in the electrical, electrochemical, biomedical, and environmental fields. Recently, a coaxial electrospinning process has been used to fabricate new nanostructures with advanced performance, but intricate and delicate process conditions hinder reproducibility and mass production. Herein, recent progress in new emerging parameters for successful coaxial electrospinning, and the various nanostructures and critical application areas resulting from these activities. Relationships between the new parameters and final product characteristics are described, new possibilities for nanostructures achievable via coaxial electrospinning are identified, and new research directions with a view to future applications are suggested.
284 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors summarize recent publications with critical insight into the advances of iron-based phosphides as HER electrocatalysts, and they point out several challenges and prospects, which can open up opportunities to design next-generation FeP HER catalysts.
Abstract: Electrochemical water splitting is the most promising process to produce carbon-neutral hydrogen as an energy carrier, and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) electrocatalysts are essential to reduce the energy barrier and improve hydrogen production efficiency. This driving force necessitates the design of HER electrocatalysts with low-cost, high-abundance, high activity and stability. In this review, we systemically summarize recent publications with critical insight into the advances of iron-based phosphides as HER electrocatalysts. Various synthesis strategies corresponding to different phosphating strategies for guiding iron phosphide design are described, followed by illustrations of how to boost FeP HER catalytic performance by enriching the accessible active sites and modifying the electronic structure. Finally, we point out several challenges and prospects, which can open up opportunities to design next-generation FeP HER electrocatalysts.
282 citations
TL;DR: An updated overview of research progress made in the synthesis of hollow structures is provided, and the development of burgeoning self-templating strategies based on controlled etching, outward diffusion, and heterogeneous contraction is summarized.
Abstract: Hollow micro-/nanostructures have attracted tremendous interest owing to their intriguing structure-induced physicochemical properties and great potential for widespread applications. With the development of modern synthetic methodology and analytical instruments, a rapid structural/compositional evolution of hollow structures from simple to complex has occurred in recent decades. Here, an updated overview of research progress made in the synthesis of hollow structures is provided. After an introduction of definition and classification, achievements in synthetic approaches for these delicate hollow architectures are presented in detail. According to formation mechanisms, these strategies can be categorized into four different types, including hard-templating, soft-templating, self-templated, and template-free methods. In particular, the rationales and emerging innovations in conventional templating syntheses are in focus. The development of burgeoning self-templating strategies based on controlled etching, outward diffusion, and heterogeneous contraction is also summarized. In addition, a brief overview of template-free methods and recent advances on combined mechanisms is provided. Notably, the strengths and weaknesses of each category are discussed in detail. In conclusion, a perspective on future trends in the research of hollow micro-/nanostructures is given.
281 citations
TL;DR: In this article, hard carbons derived from a plentiful and deserted biomass of rice husk through a facile acid treatment and subsequent pyrolysis were investigated and it was shown that the electrochemical properties of the hard carbon are significantly influenced by the pyro-lysis temperature because of the discrepancy in their microstructure.
256 citations
References
More filters
TL;DR: A brief historical review of the development of lithium-based rechargeable batteries is presented, ongoing research strategies are highlighted, and the challenges that remain regarding the synthesis, characterization, electrochemical performance and safety of these systems are discussed.
Abstract: Technological improvements in rechargeable solid-state batteries are being driven by an ever-increasing demand for portable electronic devices. Lithium-ion batteries are the systems of choice, offering high energy density, flexible and lightweight design, and longer lifespan than comparable battery technologies. We present a brief historical review of the development of lithium-based rechargeable batteries, highlight ongoing research strategies, and discuss the challenges that remain regarding the synthesis, characterization, electrochemical performance and safety of these systems.
17,496 citations
TL;DR: The battery systems reviewed here include sodium-sulfur batteries that are commercially available for grid applications, redox-flow batteries that offer low cost, and lithium-ion batteries whose development for commercial electronics and electric vehicles is being applied to grid storage.
Abstract: The increasing interest in energy storage for the grid can be attributed to multiple factors, including the capital costs of managing peak demands, the investments needed for grid reliability, and the integration of renewable energy sources. Although existing energy storage is dominated by pumped hydroelectric, there is the recognition that battery systems can offer a number of high-value opportunities, provided that lower costs can be obtained. The battery systems reviewed here include sodium-sulfur batteries that are commercially available for grid applications, redox-flow batteries that offer low cost, and lithium-ion batteries whose development for commercial electronics and electric vehicles is being applied to grid storage.
11,144 citations
TL;DR: The energy that can be stored in Li-air and Li-S cells is compared with Li-ion; the operation of the cells is discussed, as are the significant hurdles that will have to be overcome if such batteries are to succeed.
Abstract: Li-ion batteries have transformed portable electronics and will play a key role in the electrification of transport. However, the highest energy storage possible for Li-ion batteries is insufficient for the long-term needs of society, for example, extended-range electric vehicles. To go beyond the horizon of Li-ion batteries is a formidable challenge; there are few options. Here we consider two: Li-air (O(2)) and Li-S. The energy that can be stored in Li-air (based on aqueous or non-aqueous electrolytes) and Li-S cells is compared with Li-ion; the operation of the cells is discussed, as are the significant hurdles that will have to be overcome if such batteries are to succeed. Fundamental scientific advances in understanding the reactions occurring in the cells as well as new materials are key to overcoming these obstacles. The potential benefits of Li-air and Li-S justify the continued research effort that will be needed.
7,895 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a comprehensive review is presented on the researches and developments related to electrospun polymer nanofibers including processing, structure and property characterization, applications, and modeling and simulations.
6,987 citations
TL;DR: Batteries, fuel cells and supercapacitors belong to the same family of energy conversion devices and are needed to service the wide energy requirements of various devices and systems.
Abstract: Electrochemical energy conversion devices are pervasive in our daily lives. Batteries, fuel cells and supercapacitors belong to the same family of energy conversion devices. They are all based on the fundamentals of electrochemical thermodynamics and kinetics. All three are needed to service the wide energy requirements of various devices and systems. Neither batteries, fuel cells nor electrochemical capacitors, by themselves, can serve all applications.
6,230 citations