complex nanostructures synthesis and energetic applications复杂的纳米结构合成、精力充沛应用.pdf

Energies 2010, 3, 285-300; doi:10.3390/en3030285 OPEN ACCESS energies ISSN 1996-1073 /journal/energies Review Complex Nanostructures: Synthesis and Energetic Applications Xiaohua Liu, Yongjing Lin, Sa Zhou, Stafford Sheehan and Dunwei Wang * Department of Chemistry, Merkert Chemistry Center, Boston College, 2609 Beacon St., Chestnut Hill, MA 02467, USA; E-Mails: xiaohua.liu.1@ (X.L.); yongjing.lin.1@ (Y.L.); sa.zhou.1@ (S.Z.); sheehasg@ (S.S.) * Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: dunwei.wang@; Tel.: +01-617-552-3121; Fax: +01-617-552-2705. Received: 28 December 2009 / Accepted: 3 February 2010 / Published: 26 February 2010 Abstract: Connected through single crystalline junctions, low dimensional materials such as nanowires and nanorods form complex nanostructures. These new materials exhibit mechanical strengths and electrical conductivities superior to their constituents while maintaining comparable surface areas, an attribute ideal for energetic applications. More efficient solar cells, higher capacity batteries and better performing photoelectrochemical cells have been built using these materials. This article reviews this exciting new class of materials and covers topics from controlled syntheses to applications in photovoltaics, chemical energy conversion and electrical charge storage. Mechanisms responsible for the improved performance are discussed. The prospect of their applications in a broader energy-relate