Dealloyed nanoporous materials for electrochemical energy conversion and storage

Abstract

Dealloying, which is traditionally originated in the research of alloy corrosion, has recently been developed as a robust and generic method for fabricating functional 3D nanoporous materials. Endorsed by the unique 3D bicontinuous porous structure, they exhibit remarkable properties such as large surface area, high conductivity, efficient mass transport, and high catalytic activity, which render them as advanced nanomaterials with enormous potential for a variety of applications. In this review, we summarize recent progress in the development of dealloying and dealloyed nanoporous materials for electrochemical energy conversion and storage. Beginning with an overview of the modern understanding of dealloying mechanisms, the unique structural and physical properties of dealloyed nanoporous materials are introduced. Then, we discuss the established dealloying techniques and how they enable the versatile fabrication of a diverse variety of nanoporous materials, ranging from unary metals and alloys to the latest high-entropy alloys and two-dimensional materials. Following that, the electrochemical applications of dealloyed nanoporous materials for fuel cells, supercapacitors, metal-ion batteries, alkali metal batteries, non-aqueous metal-oxygen batteries, electrochemical CO₂ reduction, and electrocatalytic N₂ reduction are highlighted. Finally, we discuss remaining challenges in this field and offer perspectives on potential directions for future research.