Nanomaterials have become a viable way to improve the performance of batteries and supercapacitors in the quest for effective and sustainable energy storage solutions. This chapter provides an in-depth look at current advances in synthesis processes and applications of VS2-based nanomaterials in energy storage devices. The discussion carefully assesses electrochemical characteristics of VS2-based nanomaterials while critically analyzing alternative synthesis techniques and composite approaches. Furthermore, the chapter highlights current research discoveries concerning the performance of VS2-based nanomaterials in various types of batteries. Additionally, potential uses of VS2-based nanomaterials in energy storage devices, such as lithium-ion batteries, sodium-ion batteries, potassium-ion batteries, zinc-ion batteries, magnesium-ion batteries, aluminum-ion batteries, and ammonium-ion batteries, are investigated. This review emphasizes the importance of VS2-based nanomaterials in energy storage applications and offers possible future research directions in this rapidly expanding sector.
TopIntroduction
Batteries and supercapacitors have become essential energy storage devices in modern society. With the widespread adoption of renewable energy sources, electric vehicles, and portable electronic devices, there is a rising in the demand for energy storage systems that offer superior performance, long cycle life, and fast charging/discharging rates (Speirs et al., 2014). Energy storage systems play a vital role in ensuring a reliable, efficient, and sustainable energy supply. They help to balance the electricity grid, reduce energy consumption during peak demand, and provide backup power during emergencies (Das et al., 2018). Furthermore, energy storage systems can enable the integration of renewable energy sources into the grid by addressing issues such as intermittency and variability (Worighi et al., 2019).
When compared to other energy storage devices, batteries offer several advantages. One of the most significant benefits is their high energy density, which allows for the storage of large amounts of energy in a small volume (Dunn et al., 2011; Tan et al., 2013). This makes them ideal for use in electric vehicles, where a high energy-density battery can provide the necessary range for long journeys. Additionally, batteries can store energy for long periods without the need for maintenance or frequent recharging, making them suitable for backup power systems (Fichtner, 2022; Sharma et al., 2020). Another advantage of batteries is their portability, which makes them perfect for use in portable electronic devices such as smartphones, laptops, and cameras. Finally, batteries can charge and discharge quickly, which is crucial for applications that require rapid energy delivery, for example, batteries in electric vehicles or energy storage systems at the grid-scale level (Assefi et al., 2020; Hu, 2019; Liang et al., 2019).
Batteries come in various types and are classified based on their electrochemical reaction. Primary and secondary batteries are the two primary categories of batteries (Goel et al., 2020). Primary batteries, also known as disposable batteries, are intended for single use and cannot be recharged. On the other hand, secondary batteries, commonly referred to as rechargeable batteries, can be recharged and reused multiple times (Gayathri et al., 2021). Examples of secondary batteries include Lead-acid batteries, Lithium-ion batteries, and Nickel-Cadmium batteries, which are used in a wide range of applications, from powering electric vehicles to storing renewable energy generated from solar or wind sources (Fan et al., 2020; Jeyaseelan, 2020; Wang, Tan, Bai et al, 2021). Other types of batteries include flow batteries, which are rechargeable batteries that store energy in an electrolyte solution outside the battery, and sodium-ion batteries, which are gaining attention for their potential as an economical and environmentally friendly substitute for lithium-ion batteries (Hirsh, 2020; Lourenssen et al., 2019; Yao et al., 2021).