One-dimensional (1D) Nanostructured Materials for Energy Applications

Abstract

At present, the world is at the peak of production of traditional fossil fuels. Much of the resources that humanity has been consuming (oil, coal and natural gas) are coming to an end. The human being faces a future that must necessarily go through a paradigm shift, which includes a progressive movement towards increasingly less polluting and energetically viable resources. In this sense, nanotechnology has a transcendental role in this change. For decades, new materials capable of being used in energy processes have been synthesized that undoubtedly will be the cornerstone of the future development of the planet. 
 In this review, we report on the current progress in the synthesis and use of one-dimensional (1D) nanostructured materials (specifically nanowires, nanofibers, nanotubes and nanorods), with compositions based on oxides, nitrides, or metals, for applications related to energy. Due to its extraordinary surface-volume relationship, tunable thermal and transport properties, and its high surface area, these 1D nanostructures have become fundamental elements for the development of energy processes. The most relevant 1D nanomaterials, their different synthesis procedures, and useful methods for assembling 1D nanostructures in functional devices will be presented. Applications in relevant topics such as optoelectronic and photochemical devices, hydrogen production or energy storage, among others, will be discussed. The present review concludes with a forecast on the directions towards which future research could be directed on this class of nanostructured materials.

Carbon‐embedded mesoporous transition multimetal oxide nanospheres for long‐lasting hybrid cells

“…Moreover, 1D nanostructures are known for their excellent surfacevolume relationship alongside tunable thermal properties. 27 On the other hand, 2D nanostructures such as nanosheets, nanoflakes, etc. have been intensely researched owing to their large surface area and charge accommodation.…”

“…These structures serve well by offering a facile charge transportation within the electrochemical system. Moreover, 1D nanostructures are known for their excellent surface–volume relationship alongside tunable thermal properties 27 . On the other hand, 2D nanostructures such as nanosheets, nanoflakes, etc.…”

Electronic Structure of Bi Nanolines on Inas(100)

“…in nanowires [3]. Their high surface-to-volume ratio as well as their tunable electronic, thermal and transport properties give 1D nanolines a wide applicability in various fields of technology, including electronics, optoelectronics, photochemistry, and energy storage [4]. As a result, the fabrication of 1D nanolines that the Bi nanolines cannot conduct on their own at low bias voltages and hence are not suitable to be exploited as nanowires in prototype electronic devices.…”