A review of nanocarbon current collectors used in electrochemical energy storage devices

Electrochemical energy storage is critical for the exploration of renewable but occasional use energy sources and for powering electronic devices. Nanocarbon current collectors, such as carbon nanotubes, carbon nanofibers and graphene in both 2D lamellar and 3D network forms, have high specific surface areas, good electrical conductivities, tunable interfacial chemical properties and excellent flexibility, which provide viable platforms for the exploration of lithium-sulfur batteries, lithium ion batteries and supercapacitors. This review focuses on the use of nanocarbon current collectors in electrochemical energy storage devices and probes their interfacial mechanisms. A brief introduction to lithium ion batteries and electrochemical capacitors with high-energy/power-densities enabled by nanocarbon current collectors is also included. Conclusions and perspectives are presented on problems related to the use of nanocarbon current collectors in advanced electrochemical energy storage systems and their solutions.