Morphology‐Conserved Transformations of Metal‐Based Precursors to Hierarchically Porous Micro‐/Nanostructures for Electrochemical Energy Conversion and Storage

Abstract

To meet future market demand, developing new structured materials for electrochemical energy conversion and storage systems is essential. Hierarchically porous micro-/nanostructures are favorable for designing such high-performance materials because of their unique features, including: i) the prevention of nanosized particle agglomeration and minimization of interfacial contact resistance, ii) more active sites and shorter ionic diffusion lengths because of their size compared with their large-size counterparts, iii) convenient electrolyte ingress and accommodation of large volume changes, and iv) enhanced light-scattering capability. Here, hierarchically porous micro-/nanostructures produced by morphology-conserved transformations of metal-based precursors are summarized, and their applications as electrodes and/or catalysts in rechargeable batteries, supercapacitors, and solar cells are discussed. Finally, research and development challenges relating to hierarchically porous micro-/nanostructures that must be overcome to increase their utilization in renewable energy applications are outlined.

Promotion of Overall Water Splitting Activity Over a Wide pH Range by Interfacial Electrical Effects of Metallic NiCo‐nitrides Nanoparticle/NiCo2O4 Nanoflake/graphite Fibers

“…[11b] This structure further facilitates electron transport from the catalyst to the substrate and promotes the release of the evolved gas bubbles to maximize the catalytic performance . Moreover, electrochemical tests require the catalysts and conductive substrate to be linked, often through the use of polymer binder as a film‐forming agent . However, this modification increases the series resistance and blocks active sites, reducing the activity.…”

Single‐Phase Mixed Transition Metal Carbonate Encapsulated by Graphene: Facile Synthesis and Improved Lithium Storage Properties

“…To further improve the electrochemical performance of TMCs, design of nanostructures is another effective strategy to be exploited together with the compositional engineering . Due to the high specific surface area and sufficient pores, hierarchical nanostructure can enlarge the interfacial area between the electrode and the electrolyte, as well as improve the structural flexibility for the contraction/expansion of the active material.…”

Precursor‐Based Synthesis of Porous Colloidal Particles towards Highly Efficient Catalysts

“…Interested readers can refer to other excellentr eview papers. [4,9] The following sectionw ill discuss the recentdevelopments of these four precursor-based synthesis of porous colloidal particlesa nd their catalytic performances.…”

“…To date, al arge number of precursors have been utilized to synthesize the colloidal porousp articles, such as MOFs, glycerates, carbonates, hydroxides, as well as their hybrid forms. [4] The MOF-based precursors are among the most popular candidates for producing porous materials. They have diversified categories and combinationsi nt erms of the wide adaptability to variousm etals and ligands.…”