Applications of Nanomaterials for Enhanced Performance, and Sustainability in Energy Storage Devices: A Review

Abstract

The development of next generation energy storage devices with low self‐discharge rate, high energy density and low cost are the requirements to meet the future and environmental needs. In recent years, energy demand has risen in tandem with population growth and technological advancement. Energy resources are finite. Thus, solving economic difficulties and ensuring their continuous and efficient consumption will require new research and technologies. The use of nanomaterials in energy storage devices improves the performance of the devices with its morphologies and properties like high surface area, tunable pore size, good ionic and conductive properties. It also plays a critical role by improving the long lifespan, safety, and cyclicity of electrodes materials. This short review brings out the main approaches about the comprehensive analysis of the recent advances and future prospect of nanomaterials for energy storage technology and its applications. It discusses the classification of nanomaterials i. e., carbon‐based materials, metal‐oxides, nanowires, conductive polymers, etc. and the environmental impact in the energy storage technologies of nanomaterials. They also make it possible to occupy all the intercalation sites in the particle volume, which results in quick ion diffusion and high specific capacities. Because of these characteristics, electrodes made of nanomaterials can withstand high currents, making them a potential option for storing energy at high power and energy density. The related market study predicts that the worldwide market for nanotechnology in the energy sector will expand from an estimated $ 139.7 million in 2020 to $ 384.8 million in 2030, representing a CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of 10.7 percent from 2021 to 2030. Research indicates that energy storage and conversion systems using nanomaterials are more efficient. Carbon‐based materials, metal‐oxides, nanowires, conductive polymers, etc. added to phase change materials were studied for their high charge and discharge rates. Prior research indicated that several material properties, including size, concentration, form, and phase transition, significantly impacted the storage efficiency of composites. This review article also summarises and discusses the current state of knowledge regarding effective nanomaterials for its role in energy storage and conversion. Finally, possible uses for nanomaterials in new energy storage technologies, including wearable and flexible electronics, grid‐scale energy storage, and electrochemical energy conversion with different applications is discussed.