Progress and Perspective of Metallic Glasses for Energy Conversion and Storage

Owing to its unique atomic arrangement and electronic structure, metallic glass (MG) has been widely investigated in the field of energy storage and conversion. In the past few decades, multiple strategies have been developed to synthesize bulk and nanosized MG based materials. Here, combining the structure-activity relationship of MG with electrochemical reaction kinetics, the substantial progress of glass structures in electrocatalytic processes are highlighted, including the hydrogen evolution reaction, oxygen evolution reaction, oxygen reduction reaction, methanol oxidation reaction, carbon dioxide reduction reaction, and nitrogen fixation. Meanwhile, applications of MG materials in energy storage devices, like supercapacitors and lithium-ion batteries, are also introduced in detail. Finally, challenges and possibilities for reasonable design of highly-efficient MG-based electrode materials are proposed. The integration of high-throughput methods, artificial intelligence technology, as well as advanced characterization techniques is fundamental to screen materials with remarkable performance. This review aims to deepen the understanding of the relationship between electronic structure and electrochemical performance, providing guidance for rational design of functional MG materials with outstanding activity, selectivity, and durability.

Automated summary

This article highlights the substantial progress of metallic glass (MG) structures in electrocatalytic processes and their applications in energy storage devices. It discusses the structure-activity relationship of MG and electrochemical reaction kinetics, and proposes challenges and possibilities for designing highly-efficient MG-based electrode materials. The integration of high-throughput methods, artificial intelligence technology, and advanced characterization techniques is crucial for screening materials with remarkable performance.