Sub-1 nm nanomaterials (SNMs) present ultrahigh specific surface area, nearly 100 % surface atomic exposure, fast electrons/ions transport and polymer-analogue properties, making them very promising in energy storage devices. This review summarizes the structural advantages and synthesis methods of SNMs, and recent progress of employing SNMs for advanced battery systems, including electrode materials, separators, and solid-state electrolytes.

Abstract

Sub-1 nm nanomaterials (SNMs) present rapid electrons/ions transport and unique polymer-analogue properties due to their ultrahigh specific surface area and nearly 100 % surface atomic exposure, which are very promising in the application of energy storage devices. However, there still lack of relative review about the SNMs applied in energy storage until now. This review focuses on the structural advantages of SNMs and their synthesis methods, and then discusses latest advances of employing SNMs for advanced battery systems. The superior functions of SNMs are emphasized for designing every single component in batteries, including electrode materials, separators and electrolytes, greatly improving the performance of batteries. Finally, the current challenges and future research directions of SNMs are proposed, aiming to provide a new insight into the design and manufacture of SNMs for the further development of high-performance energy storage devices.