Bio-inspired synthesis of nanomaterials and smart structures for electrochemical energy storage and conversion

Traditional synthetic methodologies are confronted with great challenges to fabricate complex nanomaterials with delicate design, high efficiency and excellent sustainability. During the past decade, bio-inspired synthesis has been extensively applied as an effective and efficient strategy for the fabrication of nanomaterials and nanostructures. Mimicking electrode materials at nanoscale in the aspect of either structure or functionality has been receiving surging interest because of their incomparable advantages and outperforming properties. In this review, we summarize the recent progresses on bio-inspired synthesis of nanomaterials and smart structures in the field of energy storage and conversion. Firstly, an overall introduction of bio-inspired synthetic strategies will be presented, with focus on the bio-templates and bio-resources. Following that, a library of complex mimicking structures featured by high-order, hierarchical porosity, or bionic function are introduced, with discussion on their chemical and physical properties associated with the structure. The enhanced electrochemical properties such as energy density, cycling stability, etc. in different electrochemical systems will be also discussed. At last, we will expand the perspectives regarding the advantages and limitations of bio-inspired strategy and possible solutions in the future.