Hollow Carbon Spheres and Their Hybrid Nanomaterials in Electrochemical Energy Storage

Abstract

Electrochemical energy storage is of extraordinary importance for fulfilling the utilization of renewable and sustainable energy sources. There is an increasing demand for energy storage devices with high energy and power densities, prolonged stability, safety, and low cost. In the past decade, numerous research efforts have been devoted to achieving these requirements, especially in the design of advanced electrode materials. Hollow carbon spheres (HCS) derived nanomaterials combining the advantages of 3D HCS and porous structures have been considered as alternative electrode materials for advanced energy storage applications, due to their unique features such as high surface‐to‐volume ratios, encapsulation capability, together with outstanding chemical and thermal stability. In this review, the authors first present a comprehensive overview of the synthetic strategies of HCS, and elucidate the design and synthesis of HCS‐derived nanomaterials including various types of HCS and their nanohybrids. Additionally, their significant roles as electrode materials for supercapacitors, lithium‐ion or sodium‐ion batteries, and sulfur hosts for lithium sulfur batteries are highlighted. Finally, current challenges in the synthesis of HCS and future directions in HCS‐derived nanomaterials for energy storage applications are proposed.

3D Graphene‐Based H2‐Production Photocatalyst and Electrocatalyst

“…In this connection, other smaller‐sized templates, such as silica (SiO 2 ) sphere, [ 41,42 ] polystyrene (PS) sphere [ 43 ] and metal powder, [ 30 ] have been widely investigated as potential scaffold for mass production of 3D graphene. Most recently, our group [ 44,45 ] developed a novel CVD‐based synthesis protocol for 3D N‐doped graphene/CdS (NG/CdS) hollow spheres by utilizing SiO 2 spheres and pyridine as the solid template and graphene precursor, respectively. A thin CdS shell was deposited on the surface of SiO 2 followed by a CVD step to allow the in situ growth of a seamless‐contacted NG outer layer.…”

Hollow structured cathode materials for rechargeable batteries

“…Note that hollow structures have also been widely used as sulfur hosts for lithium sulfur batteries [27][28][29][30][31]. Several recent articles have reviewed this topic [32][33][34][35]; therefore, they are not covered here.…”

Tuning Nitrogen Species in Two‐Dimensional Carbon through Pore Structure Change for High Supercapacitor Performance

“…Continuous efforts to increase energy density without sacrificing power density and cycle life are still hot topics. [7][8] The macropores not only provide more space for rapid embedding and deintercalation of the active material, but can also be used as an ion buffer container to reduce the diffusion distance of ions in the electrolyte. The abundant pore structure can provide high surface area and electrolyte storage area, which can promote the rapid transfer of electrolyte ions, enrich the buffer channel of ions, and improve the capacity of capacitance and rate.…”

“…[5][6] It has been reported that micropores can increase the EDLC, while mesopores can reduce the ion transmission resistance. [7][8] The macropores not only provide more space for rapid embedding and deintercalation of the active material, but can also be used as an ion buffer container to reduce the diffusion distance of ions in the electrolyte. [9] Hitherto, a large number of synthetic strategies have been used to make porous carbon materials.…”