Construction of one-dimensional nanostructures on graphene for efficient energy conversion and storage

One-dimensional (1D) nanostructures can efficiently scatter incident light, resulting in improved absorption or complete absorption for solar energy conversion and storage. However, 1D nanostructures often lack good conductivity for fast charge transfer and/or transport. A thin-layer coating of graphene gives superior conductivity for improving the charge transport ability while its highly transparency does not deteriorate the light absorption. Thus, construction of 1D nanostructured materials on graphene as an electrode to synergistically boost high-efficiency energy conversion and storage have attracted great attention in recent years. In this feature review, starting with general concepts of 1D nanostructures on a substrate, various advanced methods for the design, fabrication and characterization of different 1D nanostructures comprising inorganic, organic and hybrid materials built on graphene are systematically surveyed. In particular, the significant progress in fabrication strategies, superior nanostructures and unique architectures is discussed, while the excellent electrical, optical, mechanical, and electrochemical properties of the nanostructured composites as well as their important applications in lithium-ion batteries, supercapacitors, solar cells, light-emitting diodes and nanogenerators are also presented. The enhancement mechanisms for the efficient energy conversion and storage are highlighted to elicit scientific insights. The challenges and prospects are also deliberated to spark our future researches. This review provides critical and updated knowledge for researchers to further explore new 1D-structured materials on graphene and their important applications in energy conversion and storage.