Complex Hollow Nanostructures: Synthesis and Energy‐Related Applications

Abstract

Hollow nanostructures offer promising potential for advanced energy storage and conversion applications. In the past decade, considerable research efforts have been devoted to the design and synthesis of hollow nanostructures with high complexity by manipulating their geometric morphology, chemical composition, and building block and interior architecture to boost their electrochemical performance, fulfilling the increasing global demand for renewable and sustainable energy sources. In this Review, we present a comprehensive overview of the synthesis and energy-related applications of complex hollow nanostructures. After a brief classification, the design and synthesis of complex hollow nanostructures are described in detail, which include hierarchical hollow spheres, hierarchical tubular structures, hollow polyhedra, and multi-shelled hollow structures, as well as their hybrids with nanocarbon materials. Thereafter, we discuss their niche applications as electrode materials for lithium-ion batteries and hybrid supercapacitors, sulfur hosts for lithium-sulfur batteries, and electrocatalysts for oxygen- and hydrogen-involving energy conversion reactions. The potential superiorities of complex hollow nanostructures for these applications are particularly highlighted. Finally, we conclude this Review with urgent challenges and further research directions of complex hollow nanostructures for energy-related applications.

Hierarchical Hollow Nanoprisms Based on Ultrathin Ni‐Fe Layered Double Hydroxide Nanosheets with Enhanced Electrocatalytic Activity towards Oxygen Evolution

“…[34,[36][37][38][39] Compared with the bulk solid counterparts,h ollow configurations with larger surface areas usually endow catalysts with ah igher density of surface-exposed active sites.Moreover,their large void space could effectively reduce ionic transport resistance and the ion diffusion lengths for surface reactions. [34] Very recently,afew pioneering studies have described the successful generation of hollow nanostructured (oxy)hydroxides towards water oxidation with encouraging results.…”

Photothermally Activated Two-Photon Absorption in Ion-Implanted Silicon Quantum Dots in Silica Plates

“…± ) stands for the Bessel function of order ; is the thickness of the nonlinear media; and Ψ (0) ± and Ψ (1) ± are the nonlinear phase changes.…”

“…Recent progress in device fabrication opens up fascinating possibilities for the incorporation of advanced nanostructured materials to enhance the performance of all-optical operations [1]. Integrated nanophotonic systems could provide platforms for developing ultracompact signal processing tools and dense configurations for manipulating optical information in the ultrafast regime [2].…”

Fe modified mesoporous hollow carbon spheres for selective oxidation of ethylbenzene

“…Polystyrene (PS), a typical polymer, has been widely used in packaging and is a major source of 'white pollution' [19]. Nevertheless, PS almost has no carbon residue when directly pyrolysis and was more often used as sacrifice hard template for hollow spheres because it is easy to decompose [20]. Therefore, converting PS into functional carbon materials will provide a possible solution for reusing of polymer waste (e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene) and reducing 'white pollution'.…”