On-chip micro/nano devices for energy conversion and storage

The evolution of next-generation energy technologies is growing in importance as the global demand for energy skyrockets. Nanotechnology and nanomaterials are critical in the creation of next-generation energy technologies. However, it is currently highly problematic to elucidate the unique properties of nanomaterials by conventional characterization methods. Hence, tailored micro/nano devices present potentially powerful opportunities as significant proof-of-principle tools for investigating the essential structures and properties of nanomaterials. Meanwhile, these devices became increasingly sophisticated in their ability to monitor individual nanomaterials under operando conditions. This review summarizes recent progress of on-chip micro/nano devices with a particular focus on their function in energy technology. Recent studies on energy conversion devices and electrochemical energy storage devices are introduced and the special design/role of these devices are emphasized. It is expected that this review will promote further research and broaden the applications potential of on-chip micro/nano devices, thus contributing to the development of energy conversion and storage technologies. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.