  As renewable energy is becoming a critical energy source to meet the global
demand, electrochemical energy storage devices become indispensable for the
efficient energy storage and reliable supply. The electrode material is the key
factor determining the energy storage capacity and the power delivery of the
devices. Carbon-based materials are emerging as a viable candidate for
electrodes, yet their low energy densities impede the development of advanced
energy storage materials. Nanoparticle decoration of the carbon structures is
one of the most promising and easy-to-implement a strategy to enhance the
charge-storage performance of carbon-based electrodes. Decoration by
nanoparticles of metals, metal oxides, nitrides, carbides, phosphides,
chalcogenides, and bimetallic components lead to significant enhancements in
the structural and electronic properties, pore refinement, charge storage, and
charge transfer kinetics of both pristine and doped carbon structures, thereby
making their performance promising for next-generation energy storage devices.
This review covers the state-of-art nanoparticle decorated nanocarbons for
battery, supercapacitor, and metal-ion capacitor applications. A critical
analysis of the elemental composition, structure, associated physico-chemical
properties and performance relationships of nanoparticle-decorated nanocarbon
electrodes is provided as well to inform the future development of the next
generation of advanced energy storage materials, devices, and systems.
