Advanced Nanocarbon Materials for Future Energy Applications

Carbon has had an important role in devices employed for energy conversion and storage, but quickly and continuously growing knowledge about first-generation (carbon nanotubes, fullerene, graphene, and derivative elements), second-generation (doped or functionalized first-generation nanocarbons), and third-generation (hybrid and nanoarchitecture materials) has created new possibilities. This chapter discusses the applications of nanocarbon materials for energy storage and conversion; it gives some examples of their potential but also some of the critical aspects upon which attention needs to be focused. Specifically, the discussion covers Li-type batteries, supercapacitors, and pseudocapacitors, evidencing how the use of nanocarbons can enhance their performance, and some strategies to enhance their behavior.