Nanotube-based heterostructures for electrochemistry: A mini-review on lithium storage, hydrogen evolution and beyond

Nanotube-based mixed-dimensional or one-dimensional heterostructures have attracted great attention recently because of their unique physical properties and therefore potential for novel devices. Their chemical properties, however, were less explored but can be utilized for energy storage and conversion. In this review, we summarize the recent progress of nanotube-based low dimensional materials for electrochemistry, in particular, lithium storage and hydrogen evolution. First, we describe the atomic structure of low-dimensional heterostructures and briefly touch previous work on planar van der Waals heterostructures (2D + 2D) in electrochemistry applications. Then we focus this review on the more recently developed nanotube-based, i.e., 1D + 2D and 1D + 1D heterostructures, and discuss their various preparation approaches and electrochemical performances. Finally, we outline the challenges and opportunities in this direction and particularly emphasize the possibility of building high-performance electrodes using a single-walled carbon nanotube-based ultra-thin 1D heterostructure, and the importance of understanding the fundamental mechanism at atomic precision.