Laser Irradiation of Electrode Materials for Energy Storage and Conversion

Abstract

In addition to its traditional use, laser irradiation has found extended application in controlled manipulation of electrode materials for electrochemical energy storage and conversion, which are primarily enabled by the laser-driven rapid, selective, and programmable materials processing at low thermal budgets. In this Review, we summarize the recent progress of laser-mediated engineering of electrode materials, with special emphases on its capability of controlled introduction of structural defects, precise fabrication of heterostructures, and elaborate construction of integrated electrode architecturesall of which are highly desired for many electrochemical processes, yet difficult to be precisely synthesized via conventional technologies. After a brief introduction of the fundamental mechanism of laser processing, its practical use for structural regulation of electrode materials is discussed in detail. The application of these laserenabled materials for supercapacitors, rechargeable batteries, and some fundamental electrocatalytic reactions enabling energy conversion is then summarized. Finally, we highlight the challenges faced at the current stage, aiming to shed some light on the future development of this prosperous field.

Rapid Synthesis of Various Electrocatalysts on Ni Foam Using a Universal and Facile Induction Heating Method for Efficient Water Splitting

“…In addition, the rapid heating and cooling rate of IH enabled creating defects, thus improving the electrocatalytic performance by tuning the surface or interface electronic structure of electrocatalyst and optimizing the adsorption free energy of intermediate species. [ 14 ]…”

Three-dimensional porous CoNiO2@reduced graphene oxide nanosheet arrays/nickel foam as a highly efficient bifunctional electrocatalyst for overall water splitting

“…The exploitation of renewable and clean energy is significant to solve the severe energy crisis and environmental pollution problems caused by the excessive consumption of fossil fuels [1][2][3][4][5][6][7]. Electrochemical water splitting that converts water into H 2 has been considered to be an efficient and promising strategy to meet global energy demands [8,9].…”

3D‐Printed Triboelectric Nanogenerators: State of the Art, Applications, and Challenges

“…[ 16 ] In the near future, on average, each person will carry dozens of such small electronic devices, which will require a portable power source. [ 17–34 ] The most traditional approach of powering these electronics is to use batteries, which is very likely to face several future issues: [ 35–52 ] 1) The limited and uncertain lifetime of batteries has become a major problem; 2) the end‐of‐life disposal of the hazardous chemicals present in used batteries is becoming a key issue; (3) recycling of the ever‐growing number of batteries has become an arduous and costly task; 4) overcharging of small batteries increases battery flammability; and 5) the larger size of batteries makes electronic devices or sensors bulky, which is problematic for nanodevices/systems. Therefore, for powering small electronic devices or sensors anytime and anywhere, nanogenerators, [ 53 ] also known as energy harvesters, have been proposed.…”

“…[16] In the near future, on average, each person will carry dozens of such small electronic devices, which will require a portable power source. [17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34] The most traditional approach of powering these electronics is to use batteries, which is very likely to face several future issues: [35][36][37][38][39][40][41][42][43][44][45][46][47][48][49][50][51][52] 1) The limited and uncertain lifetime of batteries has become a major problem; 2) the end-of-life disposal of the hazardous chemicals present in used batteries is becoming a key issue;…”