Recent advances and energy-related applications of high quality/chemically doped graphenes obtained by electrochemical exfoliation methods

Abstract

The electrochemical exfoliation of graphite, particularly through anodic approaches in aqueous electrolyte, is currently the focus of increasing research attention as a simple, versatile and environmentally friendly means to access different types of graphene, for the most part with a view to their use in energy-related applications. Over the last couple of years, the scope of anodically exfoliated graphene has been critically broadened on the basis of significant developments along two main directions: (1) the attainment of high quality, oxide-free graphene nanosheets using strategies that inhibit the oxidative degradation reactions usually associated to anodic exfoliation processes, and (2) the preparation of heteroatom (nitrogen, sulfur)-doped graphene through simultaneous anodic exfoliation/functionalization methods. Here we provide an overview of such developments, highlighting the key aspects that have made these advances possible as well as the applications that have been explored for the resulting graphenes, mainly in the field of electrochemical energy storage and conversion. Open questions and further avenues for progress in this research area are also discussed.