Nanomaterials for advanced energy applications: Recent advancements and future trends

• Published in: Materials & design 2024-05, Vol.241, p.112930, Article 112930
• Main Authors: Gohar, Osama, Zubair Khan, Muhammad, Bibi, Iram, Bashir, Nadia, Tariq, Urooj, Bakhtiar, Manahil, Ramzan Abdul Karim, Muhammad, Ali, Farman, Bilal Hanif, Muhammad, Motola, Martin
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Electrochemical energy applications; Energy conversion; Energy storage; Inorganic nanomaterials
• ISSN: 0264-1275; 1873-4197
• DOI: 10.1016/j.matdes.2024.112930

[Display omitted] •Our review explores recent advances in inorganic multifunctional nanomaterials for energy applications, shedding light on the latest developments in the field.•We highlight the diverse range of applications of inorganic nanomaterials in energy storage, conservation, transmission, and conversion, showcasing their versatility and potential impact on various sectors.•The manuscript discusses the exceptional thermal, mechanical, optical, and electrical properties of inorganic nanomaterials, emphasizing their significance in advancing next-generation energy technologies.•We provide insights into future research directions and challenges in scaling relationships within energy devices and inorganic nanomaterials, paving the way for continued innovation in the field.•Our review underscores the potential of inorganic nanomaterials to revolutionize energy applications and address pressing societal challenges related to energy utilization, highlighting their importance in shaping the future of sustainable energy systems. Nowadays, one of the most promising and significant challenges for our society is achieving highly efficient energy utilization. To address the upcoming demands in energy applications, which demonstrate considerable potential for future trends, continuous efforts are necessary to develop improved and higher-performing inorganic multifunctional nanomaterials. Multifunctional inorganic nanomaterials have been extensively researched to meet the requirements of various energy applications or to enhance them further. Specific attention is given to inorganic nanomaterials for advanced energy storage, conservation, transmission, and conversion applications, which strongly rely on the optical, mechanical, thermal, catalytic, and electrical properties of energy materials. At the nanometer-scale range, triboelectric, piezoelectric, thermoelectric, electrochromic, and photovoltaic materials have made significant contributions to numerous energy sector applications. Functional inorganic materials possess unique properties, including excellent thermal and electrical conductivity, chemical stability, and a large surface area, which enhance their competitiveness in energy-related applications. Herein, recent research, development, and advances in inorganic multifunctional nanomaterials to enhance their performance are discussed, highlighting how devices combine the functionalities of nanomaterials. In this manner, we aim to provide insights into