Nanostructured metallic transition metal carbides, nitrides, phosphides, and borides for energy storage and conversion

Abstract

Metallic-like transition metal-based nanostructures (MLTMNs) has recently arisen as robust and highly efficient materials for energy storage and conversion. Owning to extraordinary advantages over the semiconducting/insulating ones (in terms of fast reaction kinetics, rapid electrical transport, and intrinsically high activity) combined with the high natural abundance, this class of materials is progressively developed towards commercial applications in real energy technologies. This review summarizes and discusses the progress in energy storages and conversions that employ MLTMNs. After the introduction and fundamental characteristics, developments in synthetic methodologies of MLTMNs and its application in energy storage and conversion are provided with more attention on strategies to improve electrochemical performances. Personal outlook on the challenges and opportunities of MLTMNs for industrial applications in real energy technologies are proposed and discussed in the conclusion.