Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) are considered one of the most viable options for large-scale energy storage applications due to their high theoretical capacity and abundant reserves. However, issues such as dendritic growth and water-induced corrosion reaction of the zinc anode have hindered their commercialization. To address these challenges, in situ generated multifunctional poly(caffeic acid) (PCA) interface with confined Cu sites and abundant oxygen-containing groups was constructed on the surface of the zinc metal anode via ultraviolet (UV) treatment. The smooth and compact PCA effectively prevents the zinc anode from corrosion by active water in the electrolyte, while the synergies of zincophilic groups and the confined copper sites constitute 3D ion channels of PCA skeleton accelerates the migration of Zn²⁺ and enhance deposition kinetics, thus lowering Zn²⁺ desolvation energy. The symmetric cells using the PCA-modified Zn anode demonstrated stable cycling for over 2500 h and 2200 h at current densities of 1.0 and 5.0 mA cm^-2, respectively, much better than controls. Additionally, the assembled PCA@Zn//I₂ full cell enabled continuous cycling over 1000 cycles at a current density of 1.0 A g^-1 and presented reliable operation over 100 cycles in a pouch cell configuration.

This study delves into the innovative use of multiheteroatom-doped vehicle exhaust soot as a catalyst for oxygen reduction reactions (ORR) and hydrogen/oxygen evolution reactions (OER/HER), presenting a transformative approach in energy materials. The synergistic effects of boron, nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur (B, N, O, and S) heteroatom doping on vehicle exhaust carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) were explored thoroughly experimentally and through density functional theory (DFT) modeling, revealing the potential of these materials as tri-purpose catalysts for converting pollutants into electrocatalysts. The B-CNPs had the lowest overpotential (338 mV) at a current density of 10 mA/cm², whereas the reaction kinetics of the B–N–S-CNPs were superior, as they had the lowest Tafel slope (83.09 mV/dec). Furthermore, all the heteroatom-doped CNPs perform better in terms of the OER than pristine CNPs, as they are in the range of 1.05–1.15 V (values are deducted from the theoretical potential of OER 1.23 V vs. RHE) at a current density of 10 mA/cm². In the ORR, B–N–S-CNPs had the highest limiting current density, onset potential, and half-wave overpotential, which were 1.70 mA/cm², 0.86, and 0.64 V, respectively. In addition to these experimental investigations, DFT simulations were used to calculate the binding energy (BE), interaction energy (IE/E_ads), HOMO-LUMO energy band gap, charge transfer (CT), noncovalent interaction (NCI) plot, and QTAIM molecular graphs of the CNPs and heteroatom-doped CNPs and provided evocative outcomes as expected. This multifaceted approach integrates experimental and theoretical analyses, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of the catalytic potential of multiheteroatom-doped soot.

Pt-based electrocatalysts in oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) have severely hindered large-scale application of relevant energy technologies. Carbon composites codoped with heteroatoms and transition metals are considered the most likely alternatives to Pt, but they still have the limitation of poor tolerance to poisons. Thus, exploration of advanced electrocatalysts with superior activity and high poison resistance is of great significance in practical applications. Herein, a low-cost lysozyme was first directly used to fabricate single-atomic Fe anchored on porous N-, S-codoped carbon (Fe-PNSC) using a simple “mix-and-pyrolyze” method, which has a honeycomb-like porous structure with a large surface area of 957.69 m²/g, adequate pores of 0.71 cm³/g, and rich heteroatom doping of 4.66 at.% N, 1.9 at.% S, and 0.18 wt.% single-atomic Fe. Accordingly, Fe-PNSC displays an onset potential of 1.08 V and a half-wave potential of 0.86 V for ORR, strong stability with 96.87% current retention, and robust resistance to methanol and various poisons, all outperforming Pt/C. Additionally, the Fe-PNSC–based zinc–air battery shows a high peak power density of 122.2mWcm^-2, good specific capacity and energy density of 787 mAh g_Zn^-1 and 975.9 Wh kg_Zn^-1, respectively, and remarkable rechargeable stability for 300 h, superior to Pt/C-based ones.

Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) have received significant interest as an alternative to lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to the abundant availability of sodium, low cost, and enhanced safety. Among the various cathode materials explored for SIBs, iron-based cathodes stand out as promising candidates for large-scale energy storage systems due to their affordability, environmentally friendly nature, and non-toxicity. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in Fe-based cathode materials like layered oxides, polyanionic compounds, and Prussian blue analogs. We analyze their synthesis techniques, electrochemical properties, and structural features to assess their viability for SIB applications. The impact of different synthesis methods on the electrochemical performance of these materials is highlighted and their underlying mechanisms are examined. Additionally, strategies to enhance key performance such as energy density, cycle life, and conductivity are discussed. We also address the main technical challenges that limit the practical application of iron-based cathodes, including issues with cycle stability and charge/discharge performance. In conclusion, this review presents a comprehensive overview and a forward-looking perspective on the design of Fe-based cathode materials for next-generation SIBs.

Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO₄) serves as a commonly used cathode material in lithium-ion batteries and is an essential power source for consumer electronics and electric vehicles. Nevertheless, significant degradation in its electrochemical performance occurs at low temperatures, leading to energy and power losses, challenges in charging, a reduced lifespan, and heightened safety concerns—critical factors for LiFePO₄ applications. This review outlines recent progress aimed at enhancing the low-temperature performance of LiFePO₄ batteries, concentrating on the mechanisms involved in various modification strategies. The primary factors contributing to the reduced performance of LiFePO₄ at subzero temperatures are first examined. A variety of strategies designed to improve the interfacial and internal electrochemical reaction kinetics of LiFePO₄ cathodes under cold conditions are emphasized, and feasible approaches to improve low-temperature kinetics are also presented. These include optimizing cell design to enhance inherent reactivity and employing heating techniques to raise external reaction temperatures. In conclusion, this review discusses the challenges and limitations associated with LiFePO₄ batteries in lowtemperature settings and examines advancements in low-temperature lithium-ion batteries from the cell to the system level. The insights provided are intended to motivate further developments in lithium-ion batteries and other technologies tailored for subzero applications.

To advance the development of novel and efficient electrochemical systems, it is crucial to dynamically image electrochemical reaction processes in real-time at the single-particle or single-molecule level. Single-molecule fluorescence microscopy has emerged as a powerful tool for in situ imaging of dynamic reaction processes, which is extensively utilized in the field of electrochemical reactions. In this perspective, we provide a concise summary of the recent applications of single-molecule fluorescence microscopy and super-resolution fluorescence microscopy within energy electrochemistry. This paper offers insights and evidence regarding electron transfer, surface adsorption, and desorption of reactants, as well as the kinetic processes and mechanisms involved in energy-related electrochemical reactions. Finally, several remaining challenges are outlined based on the vision for the expanded application of single-molecule fluorescence microscopy across a broader spectrum of energy-related fields, including carbon dioxide reduction, methanol electrooxidation, nitric acid electroreduction, furfural electrooxidation reaction, etc.

The development of high-performance energy storage systems requires several key attributes, including high energy and power density, cost-effectiveness, safety, and environmental sustainability. Among the various potential technologies, lithium–sulfur batteries stand out as a promising contender for future energy storage solutions due to their exceptional theoretical specific energy density (2600 Wh kg^-1) and relatively high specific capacity (1675 mAh g^-1). However, the commercialization of lithium–sulfur batteries faces significant challenges, such as low sulfur loading, rapid capacity degradation, and poor cycling stability. At the heart of these issues lies a limited understanding of the complex conversion chemistry involved in lithium– sulfur batteries. In recent years, significant progress has been made in elucidating these reaction mechanisms, thanks to the use of both ex situ and in situ characterization techniques. Methods such as optical spectroscopy, time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry, synchrotron X-ray, and neural network analysis have demonstrated great potential in uncovering the redox processes of lithium polysulfides and their underlying mechanisms, significantly advancing research in lithium–sulfur battery systems. This review focuses on the major advancements in lithium–sulfur batteries research, particularly in the study of electrocatalytic mechanisms using emerging characterization techniques. We discuss key aspects of accurately revealing the mechanisms of lithium–sulfur batteries through these advanced diagnostic methods, as well as the main challenges these techniques face. Finally, we explore the future prospects of lithium–sulfur battery commercialization.

The fine-tuning of the electronic structure and local environment surrounding the atomically dispersed metal centers is crucial in catalysis but remains a grand challenge that requires in-depth exploration. In this study, atomically dispersed Ir species were incorporated into a series of UiO-type metal−organic frameworks via the strong metal–support interactions (SMSI), and their electronic state was precisely modulated by regulating the metal-oxo clusters (Ce, Zr, and Hf) and organic ligands (BDC-X, where X = -H, -NH₂, -Me, or -NO₂) for enhancing their catalytic performance for dicyclopentadiene (DCPD) hydrogenation. The optimized Ir@Ce-UiO-66-NO₂ effectively transforms DCPD into tetrahydrodicyclopentadiene (THDCPD), giving a 100% DCPD conversion and over 99% THDCPD selectivity, far superior to the corresponding counterparts. Experimental and theoretical results jointly demonstrated that Ce-oxo clusters with unique Ce^III/Ce^IV redox pairs can facilitate the electron transfer to Ir species. Furthermore, electron-withdrawing -NO₂ groups play a crucial role in increasing the Ce^III/Ce^IV ratio, promoting the efficient electron uptake by the MOF support and leading to a low electron density around Ir species, which enhances stronger interactions between substrate molecules and active sites and contributes to the excellent catalytic activity. The findings presented in this work provide valuable insights into the rational design of advanced heterogeneous catalysts by leveraging the unique redox properties and electronic structure modulation capabilities of MOF supports.