Polymer Nanofibrous and Their Application for Batteries

Rechargeable batteries have been rapidly developed to meet the continuous demand for pursuing sustainable and renewable energy resources in order to reduce the fossil fuel consumption and CO₂ emission. In such batteries, electric energy is produced a via reduction–oxidation reactions between two electrodes and electrolyte. In order to obtain such batteries with higher energy and power densities, nanoscaled functional electrodes have been an approach. In this review, electrospinning basics and challenges to develop bead-free and smooth electrospun fiber are briefly provided. Advanced techniques to produce functional electrospun fibers such as coaxial and emulsion electrospinning are described. Basics of voltaic cells were extensively illustrated by highlighting the role of each component in the cell. Differences between primary and secondary cells are explained. Applications of such functional nanofibers in the battery electrodes and electrolytes to enhance the overall performance are discussed. The discussion was focused on Metal-ion and metal–air batteries including the rule of the electrospun substrates on enhancing anodes, cathodes, and electrolytes performances. Electrochemical characteristics in terms of ionic conductivity, battery density, and capacity were highlighted. The add-on value in the performance of such advanced nanofibers in metal–air and metal-ion batteries is broadly highlighted.