STRUCTURE ENGINEERING OF ONE-DIMENSIONAL NANOMATERIALS FOR ADVANCED ENERGY STORAGE AND CONVERSION

Abstract

Electrochemical storage and conversion (ESC) technologies bring enormous chances for a clean and sustainable future, and the exploration of electrode materials continues to remain an important status in modern energy systems. Driven by the development of new materials science especially nanotechnology, novel electrode materials with specific nanostructure demonstrate intriguing physicochemical properties and much enhanced electrochemical performances. For this reason, structure engineering is crucial in tuning the material behaviors for target functions. One-dimensional (1D) nanomaterials are recognized as a new platform for different ESC applications, due to the high surface area, tunable control in straight electrical pathways, improved carrier mobility, and excellent mechanical stability. Here, through novel structural engineering on 1D materials themselves, or the formation of heterostructure where the designed 1D architectures are made, we conduct a series of studies on transition metal-based 1D materials for ESC applications, including lithium-ion batteries, metal-air batteries, and nitrogen reduction. The results arising from the study provide a set of guidelines for developing new 1D electrode materials that can also be extended into other high-performing energy systems.