Atomically Thin Materials for Next-Generation Rechargeable Batteries

Abstract

Atomically thin materials (ATMs) with thicknesses in the atomic scale (typically <5 nm) offer inherent advantages of large specific surface areas, proper crystal lattice distortion, abundant surface dangling bonds, and strong in-plane chemical bonds, making them ideal 2D platforms to construct high-performance electrode materials for rechargeable metal-ion batteries, metal-sulfur batteries, and metal-air batteries. This work reviews the synthesis and electronic property tuning of state-of-the-art ATMs, including graphene and graphene derivatives (GE/GO/rGO), graphitic carbon nitride (g-C 3 N 4 ), phosphorene, covalent organic frameworks (COFs), layered transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), transition metal carbides, carbonitrides, and nitrides (MXenes), transition metal oxides (TMOs), and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for constructing nextgeneration high-energy-density and high-power-density rechargeable batteries to meet the needs of the rapid developments in portable electronics, electric vehicles, and smart electricity grids. We also present our viewpoints on future challenges and opportunities of constructing efficient ATMs for next-generation rechargeable batteries.

Constructing Advanced Aqueous Zinc‐Ion Batteries with 2D Carbon‐Rich Materials

“…For monolayered or few‐layered 2D materials, microscopy devices including scanning tunnel microscope (STM), atomic force microscope (AFM), and scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) provide 2D planar information at atomic level. [ 105 ] Besides, the reconstitution of electrochemical process and mechanism request in situ characterization from operando techniques like in situ spectroscopic and microscopic analysis. Characterization methods with higher accuracy are particularly favorable to seize any tiny changes during the reaction.…”

Unveiling the Dynamic Oxidative Etching Mechanisms of Nanostructured Metals/Metallic Oxides in Liquid Media Through In Situ Transmission Electron Microscopy

“…[ 1,2 ] Recent developments also demonstrate that oxidative etching can be adopted to fabricate micro‐electromechanical‐system structures or hollow structures for plasmonics, biological, and catalysis applications. [ 3–5 ] Accordingly, understanding the oxidative etching reaction mechanisms is essential for designing a novel nanostructure. In the past decades, the oxidative etching was performed on the basis of the “quench‐and‐look” approach, in which the ex situ studies were stopped at a desired stage, and the corresponding reaction products were analyzed before and after the reaction.…”

Redox-induced thermocells for low-grade heat harvesting: mechanism, progress, and their applications

“…The massive consumption of coal, petroleum, and other energy sources as well as environmental pollution is one of the most critical issues for modern society. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8] With the world committed to drastic cuts in carbon emissions, efficient utilization of sustainable and clean energy is now more important than ever. Currently, low-grade heat is widespread in industrialized society, and it will have a dramatic impact on the economy and environment by harvesting and converting it into electricity.…”