Versatile carbon superstructures for energy storage

Abstract

Three-dimensional carbon superstructures with ingenious topographies and favorable functionalities present attractive prospects in energy fields. Compared to the simple low-dimensional segments (e.g., nanosheets, nanoparticles), carbon superstructures deliver excellent skeleton robustness, more uncovered electroactive motifs, and superior reaction kinetics, which are particularly useful for electrochemical energy storage. Therefore, there is valuable work ongoing to make the ordered arrangement of single-level building blocks into “one-piece” superstructure networks with tunable geometries and functional compositions. In this review, we first discuss the general strategies and underlying mechanisms for the fabrication of versatile carbon superstructures, such as flowers, urchins, and nanoarrays. The current design strategies are summarized and categorized into (i) the hydrothermal approach, (ii) the templating method, (iii) nanoemulsion assembly, (iv) spatially confined assembly, (v) modular self-assembly, and (vi) direct ink writing. Furthermore, we highlight the implementation performances of carbon superstructures as electrode materials for energy-storage devices, giving insights into the structure–property relationship in the family of nanomaterials. Ultimately, the challenges and outlooks of carbon superstructures in terms of design and uses are outlined to guide the future development of energy-related communities.