Nanomaterials for Electrochemical Energy Storage: the Good and the Bad

International audienceA critical view on the outcome of research in nanomaterials for electrochemical energy storage devices (batteries and supercapacitors) is provided through selected examples. The nano- approach traces back to the early battery research and its benefits realized even before the nano- term was coined. It has enabled important progresses which have translated, for instance, in the possibility of using LiFePO4 as electrode material. On the other hand, the nano- approach has also been oversold at all levels and hence some examples are also shown on the detrimental side effects of the use of nano-materials which should be taken into account if steady progress is to be made that finally results in practical benefits in energy storage devices