Topological Quantum Materials for Energy Conversion and Storage

Topological quantum materials (TQMs) have symmetry protected band structures with useful electronic properties that have applications in information, sensing, energy, and other technologies. In the past 10 years, the applications of TQMs in the field of energy conversion and storage mainly including water splitting, ethanol electro-oxidation, battery, supercapacitor, and relative energy-efficient devices have attracted increasing attention. The novel quantum states in TQMs provide a stable electron bath with high conductivity and carrier mobility, long lifetime, and determined spin states, making TQMs an ideal platform for understanding the surface reactions and looking for highly efficient materials for energy conversion and storage. In this Perspective, we present an overview of the recent progress regarding topological quantum catalysis. We describe the open problems, and the potential applications of TQMs in water splitting, batteries, supercapacitors, and other prospects in energy conversion and storage.