Metal cyanamides: Open-framework structure and energy conversion/storage applications

Metal cyanamides are an emerging class of functional materials with potential applications in sustainable energy conversion and storage technologies such as catalysis, supercapacitors, photoluminescence and next-gen batteries. The [NCN](2) as the anion, which is isolobal with [O](2) endows metal cyanamides with similar physicochemical properties as oxides and chalcogenides. Whereas the unique quasi-linear structure and electronic resonance between [N@C@N](2) and [N-C,N](2) of [NCN] entity bring out superior properties beyond oxides and chalcogenides. In this review, we present research status, challenges, and the recent striking progress on the metal cyanamides in the synthesis and applications. Specifically, the characteristic structures, physicochemical properties, synthetic methods with corresponding merits/ demerits and latest applications in energy conversion and storage of cyanamides are summarized. The detailed outlooks for the new compounds design, morphology manipulation and potential applications are also exhibited. (C) 2021 Science Press and Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Published by ELSEVIER B.V. and Science Press. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Metal cyanamides are an emerging class of functional materials with potential applications in sustainable energy conversion and storage technologies. They exhibit similar physicochemical properties as oxides and chalcogenides, but with superior properties beyond them due to their unique quasi-linear structure and electronic resonance. The research on metal cyanamides presents a promising outlook for new compounds design and potential applications in energy conversion and storage.