Can inorganic nanomaterials drive innovation?

Inorganic nanomaterials exhibit unique properties like high surface area, conductivity, and stability, making them promising for energy storage, conversion, and transmission. By analyzing recent research and advancements, the review emphasizes the potential of these materials to drive innovation and overcome existing challenges.

Can nanostructured materials be used for energy conversion and storage?

It is emphasized that, to further enhance the capability of nanostructured materials for energy conversion and storage, new mechanisms and structures are anticipated.

Are inorganic nanomaterials suitable for energy applications?

Since inorganic nanomaterials generally exhibit unique properties including chemical stability, high surface area, and thermal and electrical conductivity , they are considered promising for the energy applications mentioned herein.

What are the limitations of nanomaterials in energy storage devices?

The limitations of nanomaterials in energy storage devices are related to their high surface area—which causes parasitic reactions with the electrolyte, especially during the first cycle, known as the first cycle irreversibility—as well as their agglomeration.

Can nanomaterials improve the performance of energy storage devices?

The development of nanomaterials and their related processing into electrodes and devices can improve the performance and/or development of the existing energy storage systems. We provide a perspective on recent progress in the application of nanomaterials in energy storage devices, such as supercapacitors and batteries.

How does nanostructuring affect energy storage?

This review takes a holistic approach to energy storage, considering battery materials that exhibit bulk redox reactions and supercapacitor materials that store charge owing to the surface processes together, because nanostructuring often leads to erasing boundaries between these two energy storage solutions.