Carbon nanoscrolls: synthesis and applications

Carbon nanoscrolls (CNSs), as an emerging family member of carbon nanomaterials, are a spirally wrapped 2D graphene sheet with a 1D tubular structure resembling that of multi-walled carbon nanotube. Due to its unique topological structure, CNSs not only share the remarkable mechanical, electronic properties and thermal conductivity exhibited by carbon nanotubes and graphene but also are expected to exhibit novel features. So they have attracted much attention from material scientists, chemists and physicists. Here, we review the research advances of preparative strategies of 1D CNSs with arc-discharge, CVD, self-scrolling, freeze-drying, cold quenching, functional groups/nanoparticles modification, mechanical ball milling, ultrasound-assisted and Langmuir-Blodgett methods, and potential applications in lithium ion/sulfur bateries, fuel Cells, supercapacitors, hydrogen storage, sensors, oscillators, photocatalytic materials and the other applications. We believe that CNSs will become another bright star after CNTs and graphene in the foreseeable future.