Transition metal carbide-based materials: synthesis and applications in electrochemical energy storage

Transition metal carbides have attracted vast interest over the past years due to their appealing properties such as high conductivity, high chemical stability and thermal stability. With the rapid development of nanotechnology, more and more novel transition metal carbide structures have been prepared and investigated in various areas. In the present review, we summarize the current very recent progress in the synthesis and applications of transition metal carbides in the fields of capacitors and batteries. We also present critical issues, challenges, and perspectives with the hope of providing a fuller understanding of the associated electrochemical processes. Such an understanding is critical for tailoring and designing transition metal carbides with desired activity and stability.This work was supported by the Human Resources Development program (No. 20154010200840) of the Korea Institute of Energy Technology Evaluation and Planning (KETEP) grant funded by the Korea government Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and also supported by the Global Frontier R&D Program (2013M3A6B1078875) on Center for Hybrid Interface Materials (HIM) funded by the Ministry of Science, ICT & Future Planning