The Role of Nanostructure in Improving the Performance of Electrodes for Energy Storage and Conversion

The nanostructure is a critical element to improve the performance of electrodes and realize the demanding expectation for a more sustainable and efficient conversion and storage of energy. This microreview analyzes some examples related to advanced electrodes for Li‐ion batteries, PEM fuel cells, titania photoanodes and solar cells. The role of a proper nanoarchitecture and hierarchical organization in the electrode, which requires the understanding of the complex physicochemical phenomena occurring at the nanoscale level, is discussed. The need to use cost‐effective methods for a robust and scalable preparation is also mentioned. Specific materials and topics discussed are (i) nanostructured carbons (nanotubes and nanofibres, and tube‐in‐tube materials), (ii) their hybrid nanocomposites with oxides (TiO2, V2O5), (iii) their use as support for noble metal nanoparticles, and (iv) ordered or non‐ordered arrays of titania nanotubes and nanorods.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009) The role of nanoarchitecture of electrodes for applications ranging from energy storage (Li‐ion batteries) to energy conversion (fuel cells, solar devices) is analyzed, with reference to metal oxides (TiO2, V2O5), carbon nanotubes and nanofibres, and their hybrid materials, as well as their use to support noble metal particles.