Electrospun Carbon Nanofiber‐Based Nanomaterials for Efficient Li‐Ion Batteries: Current Status and Future Directions

Carbon-based fibrous materials have received wide attention in energy storage applications thanks to their high mechanical strength and excellent electrical and thermal conductivity. Among the various fabrication methods of carbon nanofibers (CNFs), electrospinning has received significant attention as physical and morphological characteristics such as porosity, fiber diameter, and specific surface area can be effectively manipulated by changing its processing parameters. CNFs prepared by simple carbonization of electrospun polymeric fiber mats offer short pathways and faster lithium-ion kinetics when explored as a negative electrode (anode) for lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries (LIBs). Certain demerits of CNF anodes (i.e. poor rate capability, low coulombic efficiency, and irreversible electrochemical kinetics) can also be effectively mitigated by incorporating various inorganic nanostructures. This chapter critically reviews the recent advancements in the fabrication of CNF and its composite-based LIB anode. The role of various process parameters of electrospinning in developing high-performance CNF and its composite anodes has been highlighted.