Rational design of nanomaterials for high energy density dielectric capacitors via electrospinning

The increasing energy consumption and environmental degradation have led governments to pay attention to conversion, storage and management of renewable and clean energy sources. Electrospinning is a versatile material processing technique that has been widely applied in these fields. Electrospun nanomaterials with various components and structures have remarkably improved the mechanical, dielectric and energy storage properties of polymer nanocomposite capacitors (PNCs), thereby probably satisfying the requirements of renewable energy storage devices. This review comprehensively summarizes the rational design of nanofillers and nanocomposites for high energy density dielectric capacitors via electrospinning, including filler preparation, dispersion, orientation and distribution, which are critical in modulating the electric field distributions and consequently the energy storage properties of PNCs. This review also presents the finite element simulation and phase field simulation results revealing the underlying mechanisms of enhanced energy storage properties achieved by rationally designed nanomaterials. It is believed that future research should integrate the strengths of raw materials and processing methods, and simulation methods may play a critical role in this process.