Applications of carbon nanotubes and graphene in the energy storage batteries

The ever-increasing demand for energy and environmental resources is both an opportunity and a severe challenge for the development of energy storage batteries. Nano-carbon materials such as carbon nanotubes and graphene are widely used in the electrode technology of energy storage batteries because of their many useful properties, including high electrical conductivity, outstanding mechanical strength, and unique morphology and structure characteristics. This paper provides an overview about the most recent progress in the applications of carbon nanotubes and graphene (e.g., composite electrode materials, anode active materials and conductive additives in lithium ion batteries, as well as composite conductive matrices in novel Li-S batteries). The electrochemical performance of the batteries affected by their different application modes in terms of lithium storage capability, rate capacity and cycle life are highlighted. Discussions on challenges and perspectives of these carbon materials in this exciting field such as exploring low cost and environmental friendly synthesis techniques for high-quality materials, improving the dispersion technology for efficient design of hybrid nanostructured materials and seeking for new application modes are also presented.