Nanocarbons derived from polymers for electrochemical energy conversion and storage - A review

Energy demands of modern society require efficient means of energy conversion and storage. Nanocarbons have been identified as versatile materials which combine many desirable properties, allowing them to be used in electrochemical power sources, from electrochemical capacitors to fuel cells. Efficient production of nanocarbons requires innovative and scalable approaches which allow for tuning of their physical and chemical properties. Carbonization of polymeric nanostructures has been demonstrated as a promising approach for production of high-performance nanocarbons with desired morphology and variable surface chemical properties. These materials have been successfully used as active electrode materials in electrochemical capacitors, as electrocatalysts or catalyst supports. Moreover, these materials are often found as parts of composite electrode materials where they play very important role in boosting materials performance. In this contribution we shall review developments in the field of application of polymer-derived nanocarbons for electrochemical energy conversion and storage applications, covering the last decade. Primary focus will be on polyaniline and polypyrrole but carbons derived from other polymers will also be mentioned. We shall emphasize the link between the physical and chemical properties of nanocarbons and their performance in electrochemical power sources with an attempt to derive general guidelines for further development of new materials with improved performances.