Graphene-based materials with tailored nanostructures for energy conversion and storage

Publication date: April 2016 Source:Materials Science and Engineering: R: Reports, Volume 102 Author(s): Yingkui Yang, Cuiping Han, Beibei Jiang, James Iocozzia, Chengen He, Dean Shi, Tao Jiang, Zhiqun Lin Intensive interest in graphene has centered on its unique 2D crystal lattice and remarkable properties that offer unique opportunities to address ever-increasing global energy demands. The past years have witnessed considerable advances in the fabrication of graphene-based materials and significant breakthroughs in advanced energy applications. In this Review, two methodologies for graphene production, namely, the bottom-up growth from hydrocarbon precursors and the top-down exfoliation of graphite (to graphene) and graphite oxide (to graphene oxide followed by reduction) are first summarized. The advantages and disadvantages of these methods regarding their accessibility, scalability, graphene quality, and inherent properties are compared. Particular attention is concentrated on tailored nanostructures, electronic properties, and surface activities of these intriguing materials. The preparation of graphene-based composites containing a wide range of active constituents (e.g., transition metals, metal oxides, and conducting polymers) by in-situ hybridization and ex-situ recombination is also discussed with an emphasis on their microstructures and hybrid architectures. This Review is devoted largely to current developments of graphene and its derivatives ...

Source: Materials Science and Engineering: R: Reports - February 9, 2016 Category: Materials Science Source Type: research