Controllable preparation, regulation mechanisms and development directions of multi-functional one-dimensional carbon nanomaterial as electrocatalysts for water splitting and zinc-air batteries

The application of large quantities of fossil fuels has an irreversible impact on the environment. Oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) are the core reactions of green energy production, conversion and storage systems such as overall water splitting and zinc-air batteries. Due to the advantages of one-dimensional carbon nanomaterials with excellent electrical conductivity, outstanding stability and flexibility, large specific surface area, and the good ability. As a multifunctional electrocatalyst, it not only overcomes the disadvantages of the limitations of single-function electrocatalysts, but also improves work efficiency while reducing costs. Thus, one-dimensional carbon nanomaterials have been widely studied and applied in electrocatalysis. Herein, the review summarizes the electronic regulation and structure improvement strategies and applications of multifunctional one-dimensional carbon nanomaterials for electrocatalysis in recent years. Firstly, the synthesis method of one-dimensional carbon nanomaterials is described. Then, the catalytic characteristics and improvement methods of one-dimensional carbon nanomaterials are discussed from the perspective of electronic regulation and structural engineering. The applications of one-dimensional carbon nanomaterials as bi-functional electrocatalysts in overall water splitting and zinc-air batteries and their applications as three-functional electrocatalysts also is reviewed. Finally, the application prospect of one-dimensional carbon nanomaterials in multi-functional catalysts and possible future development directions are prospected. This review will contribute to the recent evolution, challenges and future development directions of multifunctional one-dimensional carbon nanomaterial electrocatalysts.