Plasma, the fourth state of matter, is characterized by the presence of charged particles, including ions and electrons. It has been shown to induce unique physical and chemical reactions. Recently, there have been increased applications of plasma technology in the field of multiscale functional materials’ preparation, with a number of interesting results. This review will begin by introducing the basic knowledge of plasma, including the definition, typical parameters, and classification of plasma setups. Following this, we will provide a comprehensive review and summary of the applications (phase conversion, doping, deposition, etching, exfoliation, and surface treatment) of plasma in common energy conversion and storage systems, such as electrocatalytic conversion of small molecules, batteries, fuel cells, and supercapacitors. This article summarizes the structure–performance relationships of electrochemical energy conversion and storage materials (ECSMs) that have been prepared or modified by plasma. It also provides an overview of the challenges and perspectives of plasma technology, which could lead to a new approach for designing and modifying electrode materials in ECSMs.

The burgeoning growth in electric vehicles and portable energy storage systems necessitates advances in the energy density and cost-effectiveness of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), areas where lithium-rich manganese-based oxide (LLO) materials naturally stand out. Despite their inherent advantages, these materials encounter significant practical hurdles, including low initial Coulombic efficiency (ICE), diminished cycle/rate performance, and voltage fading during cycling, hindering their widespread adoption. In response, we introduce an ionic-electronic dual-conductive (IEDC) surface control strategy that integrates an electronically conductive graphene framework with an ionically conductive heteroepitaxial spinel Li₄Mn₅O₁₂ layer. Prolonged electrochemical and structural analyses demonstrate that this IEDC heterostructure effectively minimizes polarization, mitigates structural distortion, and enhances electronic/ionic diffusion. Density functional theory calculations highlight an extensive Li⁺ percolation network and lower Li⁺ migration energies at the layered-spinel interface. The designed LLO cathode with IEDC interface engineering (LMOSG) exhibits improved ICE (82.9% at 0.1 C), elevated initial discharge capacity (296.7 mAh g^–1 at 0.1 C), exceptional rate capability (176.5 mAh g^–1 at 5 C), and outstanding cycle stability (73.7% retention at 5 C after 500 cycles). These findings and the novel dual-conductive surface architecture design offer promising directions for advancing high-performance electrode materials.

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have many excellent properties that make them ideally suited for use in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). In this review, the recent research on applications of CNTs in LIBs, including their usage as freestanding anodes, conductive additives, and current collectors, are discussed. Challenges, strategies, and progress are analyzed by selecting typical examples. Particularly, when CNTs are used with relatively large mass fractions, the relevant interfacial electrochemistry in such a CNT-based electrode, which dictates the quality of the resulting solid–electrolyte interface, becomes a concern. Hence, in this review the different lithium-ion adsorption and insertion mechanisms inside and outside of CNTs are compared; the influence of not only CNT structural features (including their length, defect density, diameter, and wall thickness) but also the electrolyte composition on the solid–electrolyte interfacial reactions is analyzed in detail. Strategies to optimize the solid–solid interface between CNTs and the other solid components in various composite electrodes are also covered. By emphasizing the importance of such a structure–performance relationship, the merits and weaknesses of various applications of CNTs in various advanced LIBs are clarified.

Layered vanadates are ideal energy storage materials due to their multielectron redox reactions and excellent cation storage capacity. However, their practical application still faces challenges, such as slow reaction kinetics and poor structural stability. In this study, we synthesized [Me₂NH₂]V₃O₇ (MNVO), a layered vanadate with expended layer spacing and enhanced pH resistance, using a one-step simple hydrothermal gram-scale method. Experimental analyses and density functional theory (DFT) calculations revealed supportive ionic and hydrogen bonding interactions between the thin-layered [Me₂NH₂]⁺ cation and [V₃O₇]^– anion layers, clarifying the energy storage mechanism of the H⁺/Zn²⁺ co-insertion. The synergistic effect of these bonds and oxygen vacancies increased the electronic conductivity and significantly reduced the diffusion energy barrier of the insertion ions, thereby improving the rate capability of the material. In an acidic electrolyte, aqueous zinc-ion batteries employing MNVO as the cathode exhibited a high specific capacity of 433 mAh g^–1 at 0.1 A g^–1. The prepared electrodes exhibited a maximum specific capacity of 237 mAh g^–1 at 5 A g^–1 and maintained a capacity retention of 83.5% after 10,000 cycles. This work introduces a novel approach for advancing layered cathodes, paving the way for their practical application in energy storage devices.

Constructing silicon (Si)-based composite electrodes that possess high energy density, long cycle life, and fast charging capability simultaneously is critical for the development of high performance lithium-ion batteries for mitigating range anxiety and slow charging issues in new energy vehicles. Herein, a thick silicon/carbon composite electrode with vertically aligned channels in the thickness direction (VC-SC) is constructed by employing a bubble formation method. Both experimental characterizations and theoretical simulations confirm that the obtained vertical channel structure can effectively address the problem of sluggish ion transport caused by high tortuosity in conventional thick electrodes, conspicuously enhance reaction kinetics, reduce polarization and side reactions, mitigate stress, increase the utilization of active materials, and promote cycling stability of the thick electrode. Consequently, when paired with LiNi_0.6Co_0.2Mn_0.2O₂ (NCM622), the VC-SC||NCM622 pouch type full cell (∼6.0 mAh cm^–2) exhibits significantly improved rate performance and capacity retention compared with the SC||NCM622 full cell with the conventional silicon/carbon composite electrode without channels (SC) as the anode. The assembled VC-SC||NCM622 pouch full cell with a high energy density of 490.3 Wh kg^–1 also reveals a remarkable fast charging capability at a high current density of 2.0 mA cm^–2, with a capacity retention of 72.0% after 500 cycles.

Conventional monometallic sulfides are usually conversion or conversion-alloying-dominated anodes, while the sluggish kinetics and severe volume variation greatly hamper their electrochemical properties in sodium-ion batteries. Herein, bimetallic sulfides (V_s-ZnIn₂S₄) are developed with S vacancies, which are verified via electron paramagnetic resonance. A possible reaction mechanism (intercalation–conversion–alloying) is proposed, which is characterized by in situ X-ray diffraction. In addition, the small volume change during (de)sodiation of V_s-ZnIn₂S₄ is also observed by in situ transmission electron microscopy. The V_s-ZnIn₂S₄ anode shows ultrastable and superfast sodium storage performance, such as outstanding long-term cycling durability at 10 A g^–1 (349.6 mAh g^–1 after 2000 cycles) and rate property at 80 A g^–1 (222.7 mAh g^–1). Moreover, the full cell [V_s-ZnIn₂S₄//Na₃V₂(PO₄)₃/C] achieves an excellent property after 300 cycles (185.9 mAh g^–1) at 5 A g^–1, showing significant potential for real-world applications.

Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) employ P2-type layered transition metal oxides as promising cathode materials, primarily due to their abundant natural reserves and environmentally friendly characteristics. However, structural instability and complex phase transitions during electrochemical cycling pose significant challenges to their practical applications. Employing cation substitution serves as a straightforward yet effective strategy for stabilizing the structure and improving the kinetics of the active material. In this study, we introduce a Ni-rich honeycomb-layered Na_2+xNi₂TeO₆ (NNTO) cathode material with variable sodium content (x = 0, 0.03, 0.05, 0.10). Physicochemical characterizations reveal that excess sodium content at the atomic scale modifies the surface and suppresses phase transitions, while preserving the crystal structure. This results in enhanced cyclic performance and improved electrochemical kinetics at room temperature. Furthermore, we investigate the performance of the NNTO cathode material containing 10% excess sodium at a relatively high temperature of 60°C, where it exhibits 71.6% capacity retention compared to 60% for the pristine. Overall, our results confirm that a preconstructed surface layer (induced by excess sodium) effectively safeguards the Ni-based cathode material from surface degradation and phase transitions during the electrochemical processes, thus exhibiting superior capacity retention relative to the pristine NNTO cathode. This study of the correlation between structure and performance can potentially be applied to the commercialization of SIBs.

Silicon-air batteries (SABs) hold significant potential as efficient energy conversion devices due to their high theoretical energy density, theoretical discharge voltage, and favorable energy-to-cost ratios. However, their applicability has been hindered by low output discharge potential, high discharge polarizations, and singular aqueous configuration. To address these, the catalyst with faster oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) kinetic rate, nitrogen-doped carbon materials functionalized with FeMo metal clusters (FeMo-NC), was designed in acid electrolyte and thus high output voltage and energy density SABs with asymmetric-electrolytes have been developed. This innovative design aligns the reaction rates of the cathode and anode in SABs, achieving stable discharge around 1.7 V for 188 h. Furthermore, an all-in-one quasi-solid-state SAB (QSSSAB) was first developed using a suitable acid–base gel electrolyte. This all-in-one QSSSAB showcases good safety, low cost, and portability, with open-circuit voltage of 1.6 V and energy density of 300.2 Wh kg^–1, surpassing the energy density of most previously reported aqueous SABs. In terms of application, these compact all-in-one QSSSABs can provide stable and reliable power support for portable small electronic devices (such as electronic players, diodes, and electronic watches).

Step heterostructures are predicted to hold a profound catalytic performance because of the rearranged electronic structure at their interface. However, limitations in the morphology of heterostructures prepared by hydrothermal reactions or molten salt-assisted strategies make it challenging to directly assess charge distribution and evaluate a single interface’s hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) performance. Here, we prepared two-dimensional MoO₂/MoS₂ step heterostructures with a large specific surface area by the chemical vapor deposition method. Surface Kelvin probe force microscopy and electrical transport measurement verified the asymmetric charge distribution at a single interface. By fabricating a series of micro on-chip electrocatalytic devices, we investigate the HER performance for a single interface and confirm that the interface is essential for superior catalytic performance. We experimentally confirmed that the enhancement of the HER performance of step heterostructure is attributed to the asymmetric charge distribution at the interface. This work lays a foundation for designing highly efficient catalytic systems based on step heterostructures.

Passive thermal management in electronics has disadvantages of low efficiency and high cost. Herein, experimental and numerical studies on the geometric optimization of a hygroscopic-membrane heat sink (HMHS) are conducted. The HMHS is based on water evaporation from a membrane-encapsulated hygroscopic salt solution, in which pin fins are used for thermal conductivity enhancement. A comprehensive heat and mass transfer model is developed and validated. To obtain the HMHS configuration with the maximum cooling performance, an approach that couples the Taguchi method with numerical simulations is utilized. The contribution ratio of each design factor is determined. Experimentally validated results demonstrate that the maximum temperature reduction provided by the HMHS can be further improved from 15.5°C to 17.8°C after optimization, achieving a temperature reduction of up to 21°C at a fixed heat flux of 25 kW/m² when compared with a similarly sized fin heat sink. Remarkably, the optimized HMHS extends the effective cooling time by ˜343% compared with traditional phase-change materials, achieving a maximum temperature reduction ranging from 7.0°C to 20.4°C. Meanwhile, the effective heat transfer coefficient achieved is comparable with that of forced liquid cooling. Our findings suggest that the proposed cooling approach provides a new pathway for intermittent thermal management, which is expected to be used for thermal regulation of electronics, batteries, photovoltaic panels, and LED lights.

Electrochemical nitrogen looping represents a promising carbon-free and sustainable solution for the energy transition, in which electrochemical ammonia oxidation stays at the central position. However, the various nitrogen-containing intermediates tend to poison and corrode the electrocatalysts, even the state-of-the-art noble-metal ones, which is worsened at a high applied potential. Herein, we present an ultrarapid laser quenching strategy for constructing a corrosion-resistant and nanostructured CuNi alloy metallic glass electrocatalyst. In this material, single-atom Cu species are firmly bonded with the surrounding Ni atoms, endowing exceptional resistance against ammonia corrosion relative of conventional CuNi alloys. Remarkably, a record-high durability for over 300 h is achieved. Ultrarapid quenching also allows a much higher Cu content than typical single-atom alloys, simultaneously yielding a high rate and selectivity for ammonia oxidation reaction (AOR). Consequently, an outstanding ammonia conversion rate of up to 95% is achieved with 91.8% selectivity toward nitrite after 8 h. Theoretical simulations reveal that the structural amorphization of CuNi alloy could effectively modify the electronic configuration and reaction pathway, generating stable single-atom Cu active sites with low kinetic barriers for AOR. This ultrarapid laser quenching strategy thus provides a new avenue for constructing metallic glasses with well-defined nanostructures, presenting feasible opportunities for performance enhancement for AOR and other electrocatalytic processes.

Strain effects have garnered significant attention in catalytic applications due to their ability to modulate the electronic structure and surface adsorption properties of catalysts. In this study, we propose a novel approach called “similar stacking” for stress modulation, achieved through the loading of Co₂P on Ni₂P (Ni₂P/Co₂P). Theoretical simulations reveal that the compressive strain induced by Co₂P influences orbital overlap and electron transfer with hydrogen atoms. Furthermore, the number of stacked layers can be adjusted by varying the precursor soaking time, which further modulates the strain range and hydrogen adsorption. Under a 2-h soaking condition, the strain effect proves favorable for efficient hydrogen production. Experimental characterizations using X-ray diffraction, high-angel annular dark-field scanning transmission election microscope (HAADF-STEM), and X-ray absorption near-edge structure spectroscopy successfully demonstrate lattice contraction of Co₂P and bond length shortening of Co–P. Remarkably, our catalyst shows an ultrahigh current density of 1 A cm^–2 at an overpotential of only 388 mV, surpassing that of commercial Pt/C, while maintaining long-term stability. This material design strategy of similar stacking opens up new avenues of strain modulation and the deeper development of electrocatalysts.