Nanowire-Enabled Energy Storage

Abstract

A variety of energy storage systems are currently being explored and in some cases commercialized to meet the needs for both small and large-scale energy storage/usage. Among these systems, rechargeable batteries have been extensively investigated in the research community in efforts to make breakthroughs beyond existing commercial lithium ion systems and thereby provide enhancements to capacity, power density and other metrics that would be beneficial to ubiquitous consumer electronic devices through electric automobiles. In this chapter, the advantages of NW structures for efficient energy storage will be illustrated and discussed, including their high surface area, efficient charge transport and capability to sustain large volume expansion/contraction during charge/discharge cycles. In particular, we will introduce and discuss representative works focused on lithium ion batteries, electrochemical capacitors, and sodium ion batteries. Finally, prospects and challenges for implementing NWs for practical energy storage solutions will be briefly discussed.