(557e) Hybrid Carbon Nanostructures for Electrochemical Energy Storage

The desire to lessen the dependency on fossil fuels and secure a clean, sustainable energy system have become stronger, resulting in endeavors in the direction of developing next-generation batteries with higher energy density and enhanced safety. At present, Li-ion batteries are the most commercially successful battery system. It is identified, however, that the energy densities of current Li-ion batteries are unable to satisfy the ever-increasing requirements of newly emerging technologies. Therefore, investigations of new materials and chemistries are needed to go beyond routine developments in the energy densities of existing batteries. Silicon or Tin-based anodes and Chalcogen-based (Sulfur, Selenium, and Oxygen) cathodes have gained much attention for next-generation batteries because they have the potential of offering 5-10 times the specific energy of existing Li-ion batteries. However, there remain fundamental challenges for these systems to be considered as a practically viable option. In this presentation, a brief discussion of scientific challenges and some latest developments in hybrid carbon nanostructures-based electrodes for advanced batteries will be provided. In particular, several effective strategies using functionalized graphene or carbon nanotubes will be highlighted toward the design of advanced batteries with improved energy/power density and extended cycle life.