Charge transfer and storage of an electrochemical cell and its nano effects

Efficient charger transfer and storage forms the precondition for stable operation of an electrochemical energy storage device. Nanomaterials, due to their admirable structure properties such as reduced particle dimensions and high surface to volume ratio, have shown promises in facilitating storage kinetics and enabling novel storage chemistry of electrode materials. In this chapter, we will introduce the fundamentals about the charge transfer and storage processes in various types electrochemical cells (e.g., zinc-based primary cells, lead-acid cells, nickel-metal hydride cells, rechargeable Li cells), and discuss the effects of using nanostructured electrode materials on the thermodynamic and kinetic properties of the charge storage/transfer process in an electrochemical cell.With the discussions, we aim to provide insights into design principles for “kinetically stable” nanostructured electrode materials towards their practical applications in future electrochemical cells.