Themed collection Editor’s Choice: 2D Materials for Energy Storage and Conversion

30 items
Open Access Review Article

Two-dimensional metal–organic frameworks and their derivatives for electrochemical energy storage and electrocatalysis

The recent progress on the fabrication of two-dimensional metal–organic frameworks and their derivatives as well as their applications in electrochemical energy storage and electrocatalysis are reviewed.

Graphical abstract: Two-dimensional metal–organic frameworks and their derivatives for electrochemical energy storage and electrocatalysis
From the themed collection: Editor’s Choice: Functional MOFs and COFs
Open Access Review Article

Progress in supercapacitors: roles of two dimensional nanotubular materials

Overcoming the global energy crisis due to vast economic expansion with the advent of human reliance on energy-consuming labor-saving devices necessitates the demand for next-generation technologies in the form of cleaner energy storage devices.

Graphical abstract: Progress in supercapacitors: roles of two dimensional nanotubular materials
From the themed collection: Supercapacitors
Review Article

Recent advances in two-dimensional materials and their nanocomposites in sustainable energy conversion applications

Two-dimensional (2D) materials have a wide platform in technical studies and expanding nano- and atomic-level applications.

Graphical abstract: Recent advances in two-dimensional materials and their nanocomposites in sustainable energy conversion applications
Communication

Fe2CS2 MXene: a promising electrode for Al-ion batteries

Using late transition metals and sulfur termination groups for MXene leads to 104-fold increase in Al-ion transport and 2.2-fold increase in Al-ion capacity, respectively.

Graphical abstract: Fe2CS2 MXene: a promising electrode for Al-ion batteries
Communication

Which is the most effective pristine graphene electrode for energy storage devices: aerogel or xerogel?

The morphological design of pristine graphene aerogel and xerogel in both supercapacitors and lithium-ion batteries was demonstrated.

Graphical abstract: Which is the most effective pristine graphene electrode for energy storage devices: aerogel or xerogel?
Communication

Scalable synthesis of FeS2 nanoparticles encapsulated into N-doped carbon nanosheets as a high-performance sodium-ion battery anode

Nanostructured FeS2 embedded in an N-doped carbon nanosheet composite (FeS2/CNS) was prepared and exhibited superior performance as a sodium-ion battery anode.

Graphical abstract: Scalable synthesis of FeS2 nanoparticles encapsulated into N-doped carbon nanosheets as a high-performance sodium-ion battery anode
Paper

Ideal two-dimensional solid electrolytes for fast ion transport: metal trihalides MX3 with intrinsic atomic pores

Two-dimensional MX3 materials with intrinsic atomic pores are proposed as ideal solid electrolytes in ultrafast ionic and energy storage devices.

Graphical abstract: Ideal two-dimensional solid electrolytes for fast ion transport: metal trihalides MX3 with intrinsic atomic pores
Paper

Ultrastable Li-ion battery anodes by encapsulating SnS nanoparticles in sulfur-doped graphene bubble films

SnS nanoparticles are encapsulated into sulfur-doped graphene bubble film presenting a flake-graphite-like structure. The closely packed SnS@G composite shows much lower specific surface area, smaller irreversible Li+ consumption.

Graphical abstract: Ultrastable Li-ion battery anodes by encapsulating SnS nanoparticles in sulfur-doped graphene bubble films
Paper

N-Doped-carbon/cobalt-nanoparticle/N-doped-carbon multi-layer sandwich nanohybrids derived from cobalt MOFs having 3D molecular structures as bifunctional electrocatalysts for on-chip solid-state Zn–air batteries

Based on well-designed N-doped-carbon/cobalt-nanoparticle/N-doped-carbon nanohybrids of unique thousand-layer-cake porous structure with excellent bifunctional electrocatalytic activity, on-chip all-solid-state flexible rechargeable Zn–air batteries are developed.

Graphical abstract: N-Doped-carbon/cobalt-nanoparticle/N-doped-carbon multi-layer sandwich nanohybrids derived from cobalt MOFs having 3D molecular structures as bifunctional electrocatalysts for on-chip solid-state Zn–air batteries
Open Access Paper

Thermally reduced fluorographenes as efficient electrode materials for supercapacitors

There is an urgent need for a simple and up-scalable method for the preparation of supercapacitor electrode materials due to increasing global energy consumption worldwide.

Graphical abstract: Thermally reduced fluorographenes as efficient electrode materials for supercapacitors
Open Access Paper

A long-lifespan, flexible zinc-ion secondary battery using a paper-like cathode from single-atomic layer MnO2 nanosheets

Aqueous zinc ion secondary batteries (ZIBs) have recently attracted considerable attention and global interest due to their low cost, aqueous-based nature and great safety.

Graphical abstract: A long-lifespan, flexible zinc-ion secondary battery using a paper-like cathode from single-atomic layer MnO2 nanosheets
Paper

Monolayer MBenes: prediction of anode materials for high-performance lithium/sodium ion batteries

The design and fabrication of new high-performance electrode materials are critical for driving the development of next-generation energy conversion and energy storage devices.

Graphical abstract: Monolayer MBenes: prediction of anode materials for high-performance lithium/sodium ion batteries
Paper

Encapsulation of MoSe2 in carbon fibers as anodes for potassium ion batteries and nonaqueous battery–supercapacitor hybrid devices

MoSe2/C-700 first serves as an electrode material for nonaqueous potassium-based battery–supercapacitor hybrid devices and displays an excellent specific capacity.

Graphical abstract: Encapsulation of MoSe2 in carbon fibers as anodes for potassium ion batteries and nonaqueous battery–supercapacitor hybrid devices
Paper

2D MXene nanosheets enable small-sulfur electrodes to be flexible for lithium–sulfur batteries

A flexible small-sulfur electrode with MXene as a conductive binder and flexible backbone is constructed combining good flexibility, stable cycling and good rate performance.

Graphical abstract: 2D MXene nanosheets enable small-sulfur electrodes to be flexible for lithium–sulfur batteries
Open Access Paper

Liquid phase exfoliation of MoO2 nanosheets for lithium ion battery applications

Molybdenum dioxide (MoO2) is a layered material which shows promise for a number of applications in the electrochemical energy storage arena. This work describes the production of molybdenum dioxide nanosheets by liquid phase exfoliation.

Graphical abstract: Liquid phase exfoliation of MoO2 nanosheets for lithium ion battery applications
From the themed collection: Advisory Board research selection
Paper

III–VI van der Waals heterostructures for sustainable energy related applications

III–VI van der Waals heterostructures are potential candidates in sustainable energy related areas.

Graphical abstract: III–VI van der Waals heterostructures for sustainable energy related applications
Paper

Electrochemical synthesis of NiCo layered double hydroxide nanosheets decorated on moderately oxidized graphene films for energy storage

The NiCo-LDH nanosheet arrays are strongly anchored on moderately oxidized RGO through C–O–metal bonds to construct a hierarchical composite film electrode for flexible high-performance supercapacitors.

Graphical abstract: Electrochemical synthesis of NiCo layered double hydroxide nanosheets decorated on moderately oxidized graphene films for energy storage
Open Access Paper

2D MXene-containing polymer electrolytes for all-solid-state lithium metal batteries

2D MXenes in solid polymer electrolytes show high efficiency in ionic conductivity enhancement and lithium metal battery performance improvement.

Graphical abstract: 2D MXene-containing polymer electrolytes for all-solid-state lithium metal batteries
Paper

Adsorption and diffusion of lithium polysulfides over blue phosphorene for Li–S batteries

Defect engineering of blue phosphorene in lithium–sulphur (Li–S) batteries allows for greater specific capacities and faster rate-capabilities.

Graphical abstract: Adsorption and diffusion of lithium polysulfides over blue phosphorene for Li–S batteries
Paper

Mesoporous MnCo2S4 nanosheet arrays as an efficient catalyst for Li–O2 batteries

Ternary metal sulfides and ternary metal oxides have received much attention as potential electrodes for high performance rechargeable batteries.

Graphical abstract: Mesoporous MnCo2S4 nanosheet arrays as an efficient catalyst for Li–O2 batteries
Paper

Sodium storage in a promising MoS2–carbon anode: elucidating structural and interfacial transitions in the intercalation process and conversion reactions

Structural and interfacial transitions in intercalation and conversion processes on a MoS2–carbon composite are elucidated towards the fabrication of a high-performance sodium-ion capacitor.

Graphical abstract: Sodium storage in a promising MoS2–carbon anode: elucidating structural and interfacial transitions in the intercalation process and conversion reactions
Paper

Solvent mediated hybrid 2D materials: black phosphorus – graphene heterostructured building blocks assembled for sodium ion batteries

Solvent directed assembly of co-exfoliated 2D materials into heterostructured building blocks is introduced and combined with EPD to produce hybrid functional materials for stable high capacity sodium ion battery anodes.

Graphical abstract: Solvent mediated hybrid 2D materials: black phosphorus – graphene heterostructured building blocks assembled for sodium ion batteries
Paper

Stabilization of planar tetra-coordinate silicon in a 2D-layered extended system and design of a high-capacity anode material for Li-ion batteries

Stabilization of planar tetracoordinate silicon (ptSi) was achieved in a 2D-layered extended system, and the newly designed ptSi SiC8 siligraphene shows novel structural and electron-storage features.

Graphical abstract: Stabilization of planar tetra-coordinate silicon in a 2D-layered extended system and design of a high-capacity anode material for Li-ion batteries
Paper

Direct growth of 2D nickel hydroxide nanosheets intercalated with polyoxovanadate anions as a binder-free supercapacitor electrode

Layered Ni(OH)2 intercalated with polyoxovanadate anions was built using a chemical solution deposition method.

Graphical abstract: Direct growth of 2D nickel hydroxide nanosheets intercalated with polyoxovanadate anions as a binder-free supercapacitor electrode
Paper

The influence of surface functionalization on thermal transport and thermoelectric properties of MXene monolayers

The structural model (i.e. adsorption site of oxygen atom on the surface of MXene) has a paramount impact on the electronic and thermoelectric properties of MXene crystals, which can be exploited to engineer the thermoelectric properties of these materials.

Graphical abstract: The influence of surface functionalization on thermal transport and thermoelectric properties of MXene monolayers
Open Access Paper

MoS2 nano flakes with self-adaptive contacts for efficient thermoelectric energy harvesting

We examine the potential of the low-dimensional material MoS2 for the efficient conversion of waste heat to electricity via the Seebeck effect.

Graphical abstract: MoS2 nano flakes with self-adaptive contacts for efficient thermoelectric energy harvesting
Paper

Binder-free 2D titanium carbide (MXene)/carbon nanotube composites for high-performance lithium-ion capacitors

A full-cell lithium-ion capacitor is assembled using a Ti3C2Tx/CNT film as the anode and activated carbon as the cathode.

Graphical abstract: Binder-free 2D titanium carbide (MXene)/carbon nanotube composites for high-performance lithium-ion capacitors
Paper

Investigating enhanced thermoelectric performance of graphene-based nano-structures

The thermoelectric performance of graphene nano-ribbons are investigated providing a route to enhance thermoelectric performance through nano-structuring.

Graphical abstract: Investigating enhanced thermoelectric performance of graphene-based nano-structures
Paper

Synergetic effects of Fe3+ doped spinel Li4Ti5O12 nanoparticles on reduced graphene oxide for high surface electrode hybrid supercapacitors

High capacitance (13.2 μA h cm−2) double layer hybrid supercapacitor consisting of reduced graphene oxide/Fe doped Li4Ti5O12 (rGO/LTO) and graphite.

Graphical abstract: Synergetic effects of Fe3+ doped spinel Li4Ti5O12 nanoparticles on reduced graphene oxide for high surface electrode hybrid supercapacitors
Paper

Mesoporous layered hexagonal platelets of Co3O4 nanoparticles with (111) facets for battery applications: high performance and ultra-high rate capability

High performance battery behaviour (left panel) of mesoporous layered hexagonal platelets (middle panel) composed of highly crystalline Co3O4 nanoparticles with (111) facets (right panel) in an aqueous electrolyte of 2 M KOH.

Graphical abstract: Mesoporous layered hexagonal platelets of Co3O4 nanoparticles with (111) facets for battery applications: high performance and ultra-high rate capability
30 items

About this collection

Professor Renzhi Ma (NIMS, Japan), Associate Editor for Nanoscale and Nanoscale Advances, introduces his Editor’s Choice collection.

“The ever-growing two-dimensional (2D) material family, including graphene, phosphorene, metal oxides and hydroxides, transition metal carbides and nitrides (MXenes), transition metal borides (MBenes), metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) and so on, have garnered increasing attention due to their molecular thickness, high specific surface area and tunable physicochemical properties dependent on the structure, composition and functionalization. 2D materials and their composites have been extensively exploited to fabricate efficient electrochemical energy storage (supercapacitors, batteries) and energy conversion (fuel cells, thermoelectric devices) systems.

In this online collection, we have selected an array of 2D-energy related research articles and reviews recently published in Nanoscale and Nanoscale Advances. In addition to providing a concrete experimental demonstration for the outstanding performance, we also paid attention in picking up theoretical results forecasting the extraordinary potential of some emerging 2D materials in energy-related applications. We hope that the readers find this themed collection informative and useful.”

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