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The unique structural characteristics of one‐dimensional (1D) hollow nanostructures result in intriguing physicochemical properties and wide applications, especially for electrochemical energy storage applications. In this Minireview, we give an overview of recent developments in the rational design and engineering of various kinds of 1D hollow nanostructures with well‐designed architectures, structural/compositional complexity, controllable morphologies, and enhanced electrochemical properties for different kinds of electrochemical energy storage applications (i.e. lithium‐ion batteries, sodium‐ion batteries, lithium‐sulfur batteries, lithium‐selenium sulfur batteries, lithium metal anodes, metal‐air batteries, supercapacitors). We conclude with prospects on some critical challenges and possible future research directions in this field. It is anticipated that further innovative studies on the structural and compositional design of functional 1D nanostructured electrodes for energy storage applications will be stimulated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Confining nanostructured electrode materials in porous carbon represents an effective strategy for improving the electrochemical performance of lithium‐ion batteries. Herein, we report the design and synthesis of hybrid hollow nanostructures composed of highly dispersed Co3O4 hollow nanoparticles (sub‐20 nm) embedded in the mesoporous walls of carbon nanoboxes (denoted as H‐Co3O4@MCNBs) as an anode material for lithium‐ion batteries. The facile metal–organic framework (MOF)‐engaged strategy for the synthesis of H‐Co3O4@MCNBs involves chemical etching‐coordination and subsequent two‐step annealing treatments. Owing to the unique structural merits including more active interfacial sites, effectively alleviated volume variation, good and stable electrical contact, and easy access of Li+ ions, the H‐Co3O4@MCNBs exhibit excellent lithium‐storage performance in terms of high specific capacity, excellent rate capability, and cycling stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal sulfides with excellent redox reversibility and high capacity are very promising electrode materials for sodium‐ion batteries. However, their practical application is still hindered by the poor rate capability and limited cycle life. Herein, a template‐based strategy is developed to synthesize nitrogen‐doped carbon‐coated Cu9S5 bullet‐like hollow particles starting from bullet‐like ZnO particles. With the structural and compositional advantages, these unique nitrogen‐doped carbon‐coated Cu9S5 bullet‐like hollow particles manifest excellent sodium storage properties with superior rate capability and ultra‐stable cycling performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The design and synthesis of hierarchical microboxes, assembled from SnS nanoplates coated with nitrogen‐doped carbon (NC) as an anode material for sodium‐ion batteries, is demonstrated. The template‐engaged multistep synthesis of the SnS@NC microboxes involves sequential phase transformation, polydopamine coating, and thermal annealing in N2. The SnS@NC composite with two‐dimensional nano‐sized subunits rationally integrates several advantages including shortening the diffusion path of electrons/Na+ ions, improving electric conductivity, and alleviating volume variation of the electrode material. As a result, the SnS@NC microboxes show efficient sodium storage performance with high capacity, good cycling stability, and excellent rate capability. Thinking outside the box: Hierarchical microboxes constructed from SnS nanoplates coated with N‐doped carbon (NC) were synthesized as an anode material for sodium‐ion batteries. Benefiting from the unique structural and compositional advantages, the SnS@NC microboxes show efficient sodium storage performance with high capacity, long cycling stability, and superior rate capability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tin(II) sulfide (SnS) has been an attractive anode material for sodium ion batteries. Herein, an elegant templating method has been developed for the rational design and synthesis of hierarchical SnS nanotubes composed of ultrathin nanosheets. In order to enhance the electrochemical performance, carbon coated hierarchical SnS nanotubes (denoted as SnS@C nanotubes) have also been obtained by simply adding glucose into the reaction system. Benefiting from their unique structural merits, the SnS@C nanotubes exhibit enhanced sodium storage properties in terms of good cycling performance and superior rate capability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]