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The Role of Nanostructure in Improving the Performance of Electrodes for Energy Storage and Conversion
Author(s) -
Centi Gabriele,
Perathoner Siglinda
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
european journal of inorganic chemistry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.667
H-Index - 136
eISSN - 1099-0682
pISSN - 1434-1948
DOI - 10.1002/ejic.200900275
Subject(s) - nanostructure , nanorod , nanotechnology , electrode , energy storage , nanocomposite , chemistry , nanoscopic scale , nanoparticle , energy transformation , materials science , power (physics) , physics , quantum mechanics , thermodynamics
The nanostructure is a critical element to improve the performance of electrodes and realize the demanding expectation for a more sustainable and efficient conversion and storage of energy. This microreview analyzes some examples related to advanced electrodes for Li‐ion batteries, PEM fuel cells, titania photoanodes and solar cells. The role of a proper nanoarchitecture and hierarchical organization in the electrode, which requires the understanding of the complex physicochemical phenomena occurring at the nanoscale level, is discussed. The need to use cost‐effective methods for a robust and scalable preparation is also mentioned. Specific materials and topics discussed are (i) nanostructured carbons (nanotubes and nanofibres, and tube‐in‐tube materials), (ii) their hybrid nanocomposites with oxides (TiO 2 , V 2 O 5 ), (iii) their use as support for noble metal nanoparticles, and (iv) ordered or non‐ordered arrays of titania nanotubes and nanorods.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)