Electrospun Carbon Nanofibers for Clean Energy Applications: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

The development of clean energy technologies is increasingly dependent on advanced materials capable of enhancing energy storage and conversion efficiencies. Carbon nanofibers (CNFs), known for their unique fibrous morphology, high aspect ratio, high electrical conductivity and specific surface area, particularly with post-treatment, as well as their chemical robustness, have emerged as exceptional candidates for a variety of clean energy applications. This review comprehensively provides the synthesis, structural modification, and surface activity tuning of electrospun CNFs, with a focus on their utilization in energy storage devices such as lithium-metal batteries, lithium-sulfur batteries, lithium-air batteries, and supercapacitors as well as in energy conversion systems, including water splitting, fuel cells, electrochemical CO₂ reduction technologies, and solar thermal-driven water evaporation. The discussion delves into the fabrication methodologies for electrospun CNFs, highlighting the critical role of structural modifications and surface activity tuning in enhancing material performance. Recent progress in the application of CNFs-based nanomaterials for clean energy solutions is presented, demonstrating their potential to significantly advance the efficiency and sustainability of energy-related technologies. Furthermore, this review identifies existing challenges and outlines future research directions, aiming to provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of state-of-the-art CNFs fabrication techniques and their applications in the fields of energy and environmental science. This work serves as a valuable resource for researchers in materials science, nanotechnology, and environmental science, guiding the further development and deployment of CNFs for sustainable energy solutions.