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2022 | Book

Carbon-Based Nanomaterials for Energy Conversion and Storage

Applications in Electrochemical Catalysis

Editor: Jia-Nan Zhang

Publisher: Springer Nature Singapore

Book Series : Springer Series in Materials Science

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About this book

This book systematically summarizes the advanced development of carbon-based nanomaterials for electrochemical catalysis, and it is comprised of four sections. The first section discusses about the fundamental synthesis, characterization techniques, and catalytic effects on the energy conversion and storage mechanism. The second section elaborately reviews various types of electrocatalytic reactions on carbon-based materials and their performance. The third section focuses on batteries about carbon-based materials with different storage mechanism. And the last one, the following enlightenment in terms of theoretical development and experimental research is provided to the general readers: 1) Precise design and construction of local atomic and electronic structures at the interface of catalysts; 2) Selective activation and directed conversion of carbon-based energy-carrying molecules at the interface; 3) Interaction mechanism and regulation of catalyst solid surface interface properties under environment and external field. This book will be useful for researchers and students who are interested in carbon-based nanomaterials, electrochemical catalysts and energy storage.

Table of Contents

Frontmatter
Chapter 1. Introduction
Abstract
Nanotechnology refers to the study of the properties and interactions of substances (including the manipulation of atoms and molecules) on the nanometer scale (between 1 and 100 nm), as well as the multidisciplinary science and technology that utilizes these properties, covering multiple fields such as physics, chemistry, materials, science, engineering, biology and medicine.
Siran Xu, Yajin Wang, Dongping Xue, Huicong Xia, Jia-Nan Zhang
Chapter 2. Synthesis of Carbon-Based Nanomaterials
Abstract
Carbon-based catalytic materials have the advantage of structural stability, adjustable morphology, and high tolerance to acid/alkaline media, for which they have always been a research hotspot in the field of catalysis. However, the original carbon material is inert to electrochemical reactions, so the activation and enhancement of its catalytic performance is very important. In addition to improving the carbon materials themselves, more and more researchers are devoted to promoting the development of metal carbon-based catalysts. Recently, based on the relationship between structure and performance, synthetic strategies such as defect engineering, surface engineering, and confinement effects have been proposed to modify and rationally design the morphology and structure of carbon-based nanomaterials. At the same time, with the continuous in-depth understanding of the catalytic mechanism, the carbon-based materials are doped with metal atoms, doped with heteroatoms, metal particles and hybrids are loaded, in order to obtain more excellent catalytic performance is feasible. In this chapter, the synthesis of carbon-based catalytic nanomaterials with different catalytic sites is firstly summarized. Based on the synthesis strategies and methods proposed in recent years as well as the understanding of the catalytic mechanism of the catalytic active center, the composition and the modified rational design of carbon-based catalysts have also reviewed. Hope it would provide reference and guidance for the application of carbon-based nanomaterials in the field of energy conversion.
Yu Du, Su Jiang, Yuan Li, Jia-Nan Zhang
Chapter 3. Characterization
Abstract
The characterization approach is one of the most challenging aspects of researching carbon-based nanomaterials, particularly carbon-based catalysts with defects and atomically dispersion. It's difficult to precisely identify the active sites of catalysts using early characterization approaches, which makes disclosing the catalytic mechanism and constructing high-efficiency catalysts challenging. High-efficiency carbon-based catalysts have improved in recent years, thanks to extensive use of current characterization techniques (e.g., ex-situ, in-situ, and operando) and simulation calculation approaches (e.g., first-principles and molecular dynamics simulation calculations). This chapter emphasizes the characterization methodologies that reveal the true active sites, catalytic processes, and structure–activity relationships of carbon-based nanomaterials from three perspectives: direct visualization, indirect validation, and simulation calculations.
Miaoying Chen, Dongping Xue, Bang-An Lu
Chapter 4. Catalytic Effect of Carbon-Based Nanomaterials in Electrochemical Catalysis
Abstract
Carbon materials have been widely studied and applied as electrocatalysts in recent years due to their advantages of good stability, adjustable pores, high specific surface area, and excellent electrical conductivity. Graphene, carbon nanotubes, and mesoporous carbon are commonly used in the preparation of electrocatalysts, which are good composite matrix materials. Load different active species on the carbon nanomaterial to increase the electron asymmetry density of carbon nanomaterials or break the electrical neutrality of the carbon surface to form more adsorption active sites, which is also more conducive to the free movement of sp2 hybridized π electrons on the carbon surface, so that the electronic distribution and spatial structure of the composite material are changed. In the process of synthesizing carbon-based nanomaterials, these changes will cause different catalytic effects between the substrates and the supported materials. The catalytic effect can not only change the size of supported-materials and the coordination of the chemical environment, but also use the interaction between supported-materials and the substrates as a bridge for the electrons theoretical study of heterogeneous catalytic, and can also use the structural characteristics to form a local electric field to promote transmission. Therefore, the electrocatalytic activity of carbon-based nanomaterials can be effectively improved. In this chapter, several catalytic effects of carbon-based nanomaterials have been reviewed, including confinement effect, interface engineering effect, and electric field effect, and mechanisms of different catalytic effects and electrocatalytic applications have also been systematically discussed.
Yajin Wang, Xiaoyu Zhang, Huicong Xia, Jia-Nan Zhang
Chapter 5. Carbon-Based Nanomaterials for Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Abstract
The performance of proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) and metal-air batteries are determined by the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) on the cathode, whereas the kinetics of ORR is very sluggish. Therefore, it is urgent to design and develop efficient electrocatalysts to accelerate ORR. At present, as the highest activity catalyst, Pt-based catalysts have various issues such as high cost, easy poisoning, aggregation, and low durability. As a result, the investigation of high-activity, low-cost and stable ORR electrocatalysts is of significance to the practical implementation of fuel cell technology. The excellent electrical conductivity and high surface area of carbon-based materials make the catalysts good candidates for Pt-based catalysts. This chapter will cover the application of porous carbon-based materials in ORR from the aspects of the metal-free, single metallic atom, and metal nanoparticles (NPs), etc., reveal their deep catalytic mechanism, explain their unique structure–activity relationship, and clarify the future development direction and potential obstacles of carbon-based nanomaterials for ORR.
Xiaoyu Zhang, Dongping Xue, Siran Xu, Bang-An Lu, Jia-Nan Zhang
Chapter 6. Carbon-Based Nanomaterials for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Abstract
Developing high-efficiency and strong stability hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) electrocatalysts is the critical and promising part of reducing the catalytic energy barrier and improving the efficiency of hydrogen production. For designing prominent HER electrocatalysts, challenges remain in creating large number of effective catalytic sites for HER while maintaining their robustness at high output volumes. Therefore, the development of effective anchoring of catalytic active sites on low-cost, highly conductive carbon carriers to effectively promote metal catalytic performance through strong metal-support interactions (SMSI) is a well-established strategy that has been widely investigated. Carbon-based nanomaterials have attracted extensive attention as a promising class of HER catalysts for green sustainable energy conversion and beyond, due to their low-cost, diverse forms and highly tunable electronic structures. Herein, a summary of the advanced research progress of various types of carbon-based catalysts has been discussed, mainly including the metal-free carbon-based nanomaterials, atomically dispersed metal carbon-based materials, metal nanoparticles supported carbon-based materials, and metal nanoparticles encapsulated carbon-based materials. Finally, some notable challenges and prospects that are instructive for the design and development of next-generation high-performance carbon-based electrocatalysts have been discussed.
Bin Zhao, Siran Xu
Chapter 7. Carbon-Based Nanomaterials for Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Abstract
The oxygen evolution reaction (OER), one of the semi-reactions of water electrolysis, is expected to play an important role in the conversion and storage of energy in the future. The sluggish four-electron transfer reaction has become the primary bottleneck of electrochemical water splitting, which can be significantly alleviated with the development of low-cost and durable OER catalysts, fortunately. Carbon-based composite nanomaterials can function well in alkaline environments because of their excellent mechanical and electrical properties, low cost, high abundance, and large surface area. This chapter discusses recent breakthroughs in carbon-based OER electrocatalysts, mainly including metal-free catalysts, atomically dispersed metallic carbon, metal-encapsulated carbon nanoparticles, and carbon nanoparticles supported by metal nanoparticles. The knowledge offered in this chapter can be used to rationally design OER carbon-based composite nanomaterial catalysts, which may help shed light on the future of carbon-based OER development.
Mengli Liu, Siran Xu, Bang-An Lu
Chapter 8. Carbon-Based Nanomaterials for Carbon Dioxide Reduction Reaction
Abstract
Electrochemical reduction of CO2 with renewable electricity has attracted much attention for producing fuels and value-added chemicals while reducing carbon emissions. Carbon-based nanomaterials are of particular interest due to their earth abundance and low cost. In this chapter, the latest progress and research status of four types of nanomaterials in electrocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO2RR) have been discussed in detail, including metal-free carbon-based, atomically dispersed carbon-based, metal nanoparticles encapsulated carbon-based, and metal nanoparticles supported carbon-based nanomaterials. Finally, the challenges and opportunities faced by carbon-based nanomaterials in electrochemical CO2RR have been proposed, as well as possible solutions in the future.
Dongping Xue, Yifan Wei
Chapter 9. Carbon-Based Nanomaterials for Nitrogen Reduction Reaction
Abstract
Ammonia (NH3) plays a vital role in food and industrial production and is a promising carbon-free energy storage carrier. At present, the main method of industrial synthesis of NH3 is the Haber–Bosch method, which is carried out under high temperature and high pressure, consumes a large amount of energy and emits greenhouse gases, and this process is unsustainable. In recent years, the electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) has become a promising method for achieving green and sustainable NH3 synthesis under ambient conditions, which has attracted the attention of researchers. However, due to the inertness of nitrogen molecules and the strong side reaction of hydrogen evolution, the catalytic activity and selectivity are low, which is still a huge challenge to the wide application of electrocatalytic NRR. Therefore, the design and development of an efficient NRR electrocatalyst is an important subject of theoretical and experimental research. Carbon-based nanomaterials have become a research hotspot in the field of electrocatalytic NRR due to their excellent electrical conductivity, chemical stability, adjustable electronic structure, and morphology characteristics. This chapter will start with the reaction mechanism of electrocatalytic NRR synthesis of NH3, and introduce the types of carbon-based nanomaterials. The focus is on the design of various carbon-based nanomaterials and the principle of improving NRR activity. The classification mainly includes metal-free carbon-based, atomically dispersed metal carbon-based, metal nanoparticles encapsulated carbon-based and metal nanoparticles supported carbon-based electrocatalysts. Finally, the problems faced by carbon-based nanomaterial catalysts for NRR and the design of carbon-based nanomaterial catalysts in the future are discussed and prospected.
Yajin Wang, Dongping Xue, Siran Xu, Bang-An Lu
Chapter 10. Carbon-Based Nanomaterials for Metal-Ion Batteries
Abstract
With the increasing dependence on fossil energy, environmental pollution has become a serious problem for human beings. Renewable energy has been developed to reduce the use of non-renewable sources. Clean energy, such as wind, solar and tidal power, suffers from time and space factors. Therefore, energy storage system is required to match the development of clean energy. Metal-ion batteries (MIBs) have attracted much attention due to their high-energy density and cycle life. Among MIBs, lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), sodium-ion batteries (SIBs), and potassium-ion batteries (PIBs) have attracted the most attention. However, metal ion batteries also face some problems. Due to the large radius of sodium/potassium ions, the active site cannot be fully utilized during the insertion/deinsertion process. In addition, charge transfer, ion transfer and volume change should be paid attention to in the exploit of electrode materials. In this regard, carbon-based nanomaterials show great potential. This chapter focuses on the application of carbon-based nanomaterials in MIBs, including metal-free carbon-based materials, atomically dispersed metal on carbon-based materials, metal nanoparticles encapsulated by carbon-based materials and metal nanoparticles supported on carbon-based materials. Finally, the application of carbon-based nanomaterials in metal batteries is briefly prospected, aiming to provide some enlightenment for the design and manufacture of MIBs.
Yifan Wei, Huicong Xia, Gan Qu
Chapter 11. Carbon-Based Nanomaterials for Metal-Sulfur/Selenium Batteries
Abstract
With the rapid development of mobile electronic devices and electric vehicles, traditional lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) can no longer satisfy human’s requirement due to the limited energy density. Nowadays, the metal-sulfur/selenium (M-S/Se) batteries have attracted widespread attention due to the high theoretical energy density. Among the M-S/Se batteries, lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries receive more attention. Li-S batteries show a high theoretical specific capacity (1675 mA h g–1) and high energy density (2600 W h kg–1). However, Li-S batteries still face some problems: (i) Due to the soluble polysulfide (LiPSs), the “shuttle effect” can cause the loss of sulfur components and corrosion of Li anode. (ii) The electrical conductivity of S8 and Li2S2/Li2S is poor, lots of conductive additives need to be introduced into the sulfur cathode, making the theoretical energy density difficult to be achieved. (iii) The volume change during the charge/discharge processes is about 80%, which leads to the structural collapse. For the M-S/Se batteries, there exist the similar problems to be solved. Over the past years, efforts have been devoted to constructing conductive scaffolds to enhance the specific capacity, cycling stability and rate delivery of M-S/Se batteries. Carbon-based materials present the porous nanostructures and high conductivity, which have been employed as host materials and interlayer materials to promote the electrochemical performance. In this chapter, the investigations of carbon-based materials in M-S/Se batteries are summarized. Finally, carbon-based materials applied in M-S/Se batteries were briefly prospected, aiming at providing some thoughts for the design of electrode materials in M-S/Se batteries.
Weijie Chen, Kai Guo, Huicong Xia, Gan Qu
Chapter 12. Carbon-Based Nanomaterials for Metal-Air Batteries
Abstract
Metal-air batteries (MABs) recently have received much attention due to their possible higher energy efficiency and lower cost. However, the full utilization of the high specific capacity remains challenging and requires the exploration of appropriate electrode materials. Carbon nanomaterials simultaneously display high electrical conductivities, high specific surface areas and good stabilities with little volume expansion during the charge–discharge process. The high electrical conductivity facilitates charge transfer and high specific surface area provide channels for electrolyte and oxygen diffusion. Porous structures with high surface areas enable rapid electrolyte diffusions and charge transfers, which is beneficial for fast charge and discharge. The chemical properties of carbon nanomaterials can be varied via introducing chemical dopants. The incorporation of heteroatoms can significantly change the nanostructure and electrochemical performance of carbon nanomaterials. In this chapter, we summarize research progress on carbon-based nanomaterials with enhanced performance for rechargeable metal-air batteries. In each section, we describe the synthesis, physical and chemical characterizations, and innovation of carbon-based nanomaterials for each application. Finally, we conclude the perspectives and critical challenges that need to be addressed for designing carbon nanomaterials to improve the electrochemical performance of MABs with higher energy density and power density.
Yue Yu, Huicong Xia
Chapter 13. Summary and Perspectives
Abstract
With the popularization of portable electronic products and the progress of technology, portable, flexible, portable and wearable electronic devices have attracted many scientists and developers because of their potential applications, such as artificial electronic skin, multi-dimensional energy storage devices and biocompatible electronic devices. The booming of carbon-based electrode materials affords broader options towards practical applications of energy storage and conversion under different conditions. Facing the opportunities and challenges, many researchers have devoted a lot of time and energy. However, there are still many challenges in practical industrial applications. In this chapter, the challenges as well as perspective for the advancement of the carbon-based electrode materials are discussed.
Huicong Xia, Dongping Xue, Jia-Nan Zhang
Backmatter
Metadata
Title
Carbon-Based Nanomaterials for Energy Conversion and Storage
Editor
Jia-Nan Zhang
Copyright Year
2022
Publisher
Springer Nature Singapore
Electronic ISBN
978-981-19-4625-7
Print ISBN
978-981-19-4624-0
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-19-4625-7

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