Nanostructured arrays for metal–ion battery and metal–air battery applications

Abstract Rechargeable battery technology has been the research focus due to the largely increased global energy demand, while metal-ion batteries (MIBs) and metal-air batteries (MABs) are two major representatives. In addition to lithium-ion batteries, other MIBs such as sodium–ion batteries and aluminum–ion batteries have been drawn great attention. Regarding MABs, considerable research effort has been devoted to lithium–, zinc–, and sodium–air batteries. So far, significant progress in the performance improvement of both MIBs and MABs has been achieved through the material design and electrode design. Particularly, free-standing nanoarrays (NAs) directly grown on current collectors have been regarded as promising electrodes of both MIBs and MABs for improving the energy storage capability. In this review, recent advances in design, fabrication and application of NAs for MIBs and MABs have been summarized. Firstly, the motivation of employing NAs electrodes for MIBs and MABs is outlined. The principles and categories of MIBs and MABs, the construction, structural features, and resulting superiorities are also briefly reviewed. Secondly, the relationship of the conductive substrates, the structural features, and electrochemical performance of NAs electrodes is analyzed in depth. Finally, the future design focuses of NAs as advanced electrodes for MIBs and MABs are emphasized.