Application and exploration of nanofibrous strategy in electrode design

Abstract The key to develop high specific energy rechargeable batteries is development of new electrode materials. The existing electrode materials still have many problems: the shuttle effect and poor conductivity of the sulfur cathode, the inevitable volume expansion of the silicon anode and the lithium dendrite of the lithium metal anode that cause short circuits, etc. Nanofibers, as active electrical materials, conductive additives and electrode bodies, can play multiple roles in electrode design. More interestingly, nanofibers can be functionalized to obtain better controllable properties (i.e., electrolyte affinity, pore size distribution and surface electronic structure), thereby further enhancing electrochemical performance. In this article, the latest research progress in electrode design based on nanofibers is reviewed, including processing methods, structure, morphology and electrochemical performance. The key problems affecting the electrochemical performance of the electrode are also discussed, such as the preparation process, atomic structure, electrical conductivity, surface area and pore distribution of nanofibers, to provide reference points for nanofibers in excellent electrode design.