Concepedia

Graphene based new energy materials

Energy & Environmental Science · 2011 · 1.9K citations · 203 references

TL;DR

Graphene is a one‑atom‑thick carbon layer with exceptional electrical, mechanical, and surface properties, making it an ideal material for energy storage and conversion, and has been applied in supercapacitors, lithium‑ion batteries, water splitting, fuel cells, and solar cells. The review summarizes recent advances in the synthesis and applications of graphene‑based materials for energy systems and discusses their challenges and prospects. The authors review synthesis methods and applications of GBMs in supercapacitors, lithium‑ion batteries, water splitting, fuel cells, and solar cells.

Abstract

Graphene, a one-atom layer of graphite, possesses a unique two-dimensional (2D) structure, high conductivity and charge carrier mobility, huge specific surface area, high transparency and great mechanical strength. Thus, it is expected to be an ideal material for energy storage and conversion. During the past several years, a variety of graphene based materials (GBMs) have been successfully prepared and applied in supercapacitors, lithium ion batteries, water splitting, electrocatalysts for fuel cells, and solar cells. In this review, we will summarize the recent advances in the synthesis and applications of GBMs in these energy related systems. The challenges and prospects of graphene based new energy materials are also discussed.