ABSTRACT Rare earth elements (REEs) have emerged as a distinctive class of functional materials for lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries, offering catalytic behavior that extends beyond the conventional d‐band paradigm of transition‐metal systems. Their localized 4f orbitals, variable oxidation states, strong Lewis acidity, and defect chemistry enable multifunctional regulation of polysulfide adsorption and redox conversion. They also enhance interfacial stability. This review evaluates REE‐based materials across cathodes, separators, electrolyte/additive systems, and integrated cell architectures, with emphasis on how REEs function as redox mediators, polar anchors, and electronic/ionic interface modulators. Some credible advances arise not from isolated material effects, but from conductive integration, balanced adsorption–conversion, and coordinated deployment across multiple cell components. By benchmarking reported systems against practical metrics, including high sulfur loading, areal capacity, rate capability, and pouch‐cell relevance, we identify promising REE‐enabled architectures while also highlighting persistent limitations in mechanistic validation and reporting consistency. We further argue that rational progress in this field requires a descriptor‐guided framework tailored to 4f chemistry, in which crystal‐field splitting, electronegativity, f–d hybridization, oxygen vacancy concentration, and Lewis acidity collectively govern catalytic behavior. Finally, we outline future directions centered on underexplored lanthanides, operando and multiscale characterization, hybrid REE/transition‐metal designs, and circular‐economy strategies for sustainable deployment.

This work reports the synthesis of nitrogen-doped carbon-coated manganese tungstate (MnWO4/NC) nano-materials with diverse morphologies using dodecahedral ammonium phosphotungstate as both the tungsten source and morphology-directing agent for the first time. The electrochemical performance of these materials as anodes for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) was subsequently evaluated. Among these materials, micro-nanoflower structured nitrogen-doped carbon-coated manganese tungstate (MnWO4/NC-2) delivered a reversible capacity of 1330.6 mAh g-1 after 200 cycles at a current density of 0.2 A g-1. At a high current density of 1 A g-1, it maintained a capacity of 564.8 mAh g-1 after 800 cycles, which illustrated a 30.4 % increase over the bare MnWO4 micro-nanoflowers. The enhanced cycling performance of this material is attributed to the significantly enhanced conductivity from the N-doped carbon coating, along with the abundant active interfaces and shortened ion diffusion pathways provided by the micro-nanoflower architecture. The synergy between these features effectively mitigates volume expansion during cycling and increase reaction kinetics. Furthermore, the practical application potential was verified by assembling a LiFePO4//MnWO4/NC-2 full cell, confirming MnWO4/NC-2 as a promising anodic material for LIBs. This work offers critical insights into the design and fabrication of anode materials for LIBs.

ABSTRACT The transition to a sustainable energy future requires electrochemical storage systems that surpass conventional lithium‐ion batteries. The lithium–sulfur (Li–S) battery, with its high theoretical energy density and use of abundant sulfur, is a paramount contender for next‐generation applications. However, its commercialization is hindered by intrinsic challenges: the insulating nature of sulfur, the deleterious polysulfide shuttle effect, and severe volumetric expansion. For over a decade, research has focused on nanomaterial engineering under idealized laboratory conditions, yielding metrics often divorced from practical reality. This review argues that overcoming these barriers necessitates a decisive paradigm shift from isolated material breakthroughs to the synergistic integration of three interdependent frontiers. First, the scale‐up imperative, translating nanoscale innovations into manufacturable, high‐loading electrodes validated in lean‐electrolyte pouch cells (where the electrolyte‐to‐sulfur ratio, E/S is minimized). Second, electrolyte‐cathode synergy, co‐engineering an integrated system where components are mutually reinforcing. Third, systematic, data‐driven optimization using advanced operando characterization, multi‐physics modeling, and artificial intelligence (AI) to navigate the complex parameter space. By deconstructing these gaps, we synthesize a pragmatic roadmap emphasizing integration and practical validation. We posit that only through coordinated advances across these interconnected domains can the transformative potential of high‐energy‐density lithium–sulfur batteries be fully realized for applications like electric aviation and grid storage.

In this work, nitrogen-doped carbon coated with flower-cluster-like Sb2WO6 composites (denoted as Sb2WO6/NC) were successfully synthesized by integrating active Sb2WO6 with highly conductive carbon matrices. The lithium storage capability of the composites used in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) was systematically evaluated through comprehensive structural characterization and electrochemical analyses. The Sb2WO6/NC electrode exhibited outstanding rate capability, delivering a capacity of 571.5 mAh g−1 when the current density was restored to 0.1 A g−1. Moreover, it sustained a reversible discharge capacity of 504.3 mAh g−1 after 500 cycles at 1 A g−1, representing an improvement of approximately 24.6% compared with the pristine Sb2WO6 electrode (404.6 mAh g−1). The remarkable performance is primarily due to the synergistic effect of the conductive network constructed by carbon coating doped with nitrogen and the abundant active interfaces provided by the flower-cluster-like morphology, which adequately accommodates volume expansion in cycling process. Furthermore, the practical applicability of Sb2WO6/NC anode was validated by construction of a LiFePO4//Sb2WO6/NC full cell, which verifies its feasibility as an efficient anode for LIBs. This work provides valuable insights into the development of advanced anode materials for LIBs.

The development of a highly responsive and selective gas sensor for volatile organic compounds, such as hydrogen sulfide and acetone, is still required. In this study, FeWO4 hollow spheres modified with Pd nanoparticles were synthesized using ammonium phosphotungstate hydrate dodecahedra as sacrificial templates followed by liquid-phase reduction. The morphologies, microstructures, and gas-sensing characteristics of as-prepared sensing nanomaterials have been investigated. The tiny Pd nanoparticles are well anchored on the FeWO4 hollow spheres. At the working temperature of 280 °C, the 3 wt.

ABSTRACT The commercialization of lithium–sulfur batteries (Li–S batteries) has been hindered by the shuttle effect of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) and sluggish redox kinetics. In this study, we constructed a three‐dimensional hollow conductive network host material for sulfur with synergistic enhancement effects. Specifically, high‐yield bamboo‐like nitrogen‐doped carbon nanotubes (BNCNTs) were embedded with Ni nanoparticles via vapor–liquid–solid growth, with the resulting material used as a substrate for the uniform deposition of ultrathin MoS 2 nanosheets containing sulfur vacancies (Ni‐MoS 2 /BNCNTs). Ni nanoparticles were found to optimize the charge distribution, promote the conversion of LiPSs, and effectively reduce the reaction energy barrier through synergistic effects with BNCNTs. The hollow conductive BNCNTs network effectively confines the LiPSs shuttle, accelerates ion/electron transport, and mitigates volume changes. The outer layer of MoS 2 nanosheets provides a large surface area with abundant catalytic sites, effectively anchoring LiPSs and accelerating their conversion. Benefiting from these multiple synergistic mechanisms, the Ni‐MoS 2 /BNCNTs‐based Li–S battery exhibited outstanding cycling stability, with a capacity decay rate of only 0.06% per cycle over 500 cycles at 1.0 A g −1 . Therefore, this study provides an efficient strategy for the design of sulfur host materials and a new pathway for the development of high‐performance Li–S batteries.

Among advanced energy storage technologies, lithium-sulfur batteries (LSBs), are emerging due to their exceptional theoretical specific capacity, economic feasibility, and being eco-friendly. However, their functional use remains hindered by challenges such as sulfur's insulating nature, the "shuttle effect" of polysulfides, and significant volume expansion during charge-discharge cycles. This study uses 3D reduced graphene oxide (rGO) as a conductive substrate, combined with a simple and cost-effective synthesis method, to integrate metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) into a high-performance Li-S cathode material. By employing a hydrothermalsolvothermal approach, aluminum-based MOFs (Al-MOF) are uniformly anchored onto 3D rGO, forming an Al-MOF@3D rGO composite. The hierarchical porous architecture of 3D rGO establishes a continuous threedimensional electron transport network, while the MOFs tailored pore distribution and abundant porosity, coupled with positively charged open metal sites on its surface, enable effective electrostatic interactions with polysulfides. The Al-MOF@3D rGO/S cathode demonstrates excellent cyclic stability and high specific capacity, delivering an initial discharge capacity of 1082 mAh g-1 at 0.2 A g-1, retaining 637 mAh g-1 after 200 cycles. At 1 A g-1, it maintains an initial capacity of 535 mAh g-1, retaining 415 mAh g-1 after 500 cycles with a low-capacity fading rate of 0.044% per cycle. This multi-scale design synergistically stabilizes the active sulfur species, significantly suppressing the shuttle effect and enhancing cycle stability and sulfur utilization efficiency.

Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries are fascinating next-generation energy storage devices because of their high energy density, but they face problems such as polysulfide (LiPS) shuttling and sluggish reaction kinetics. Herein, a freestanding film consisting of ultralong bamboo-like nitrogen-doped carbon nanofibers (BNCFs) is developed using melamine as a raw material and aluminum foil as a catalyst to form Al4C3 nanoparticles via a vapor-liquid-solid growth process at high temperature. Subsequently, the BNCFs are combined with sulfur and in situ coated with polyaniline (PANI) to form a freestanding binder-free cathode (BNCFs/S/PANI). The freestanding and binder-free BNCFs film creates orderly channels for polysulfide adsorption, volume buffering, and efficient Li+/electron transport. The PANI coating chemically connects LiPSs, enhances uniform lithium deposition, and elevates redox activity via its quinonediimine and phenylenediamine units. This synergistic effect endows the cathode with superior cycling stability, leading to a minimal capacity decay rate of merely 0.047% per cycle over 500 cycles at 1.0 A g-1. This research presents a new cathode design for high-energy-density Li-S batteries.

It is of practical significance to develop gas sensors with high sensitivity and high selectivity. In this study, ZnO nanoflakes were synthesized by hydrothermal synthesis, and Au/ZnO, Pd/ZnO, and Pt/ZnO nanoflakes were fabricated by uniformly loading small-sized Au, Pd, and Pt nanoparticles using an ultraviolet-assisted reduction. Gas-sensing performance tests revealed that Au/ZnO nanoflakes exhibited a higher response to isopropanol compared to Pd/ZnO, Pt/ZnO, and ZnO nanoflake sensors. At the working temperature of 225 °C, it demonstrated response of 132.2 to 100 ppm isopropanol, with 8 s response time and 12 s recovery time, and showed high selectivity, repeatability, and stability. Hydrogen sensing performance of Au/ZnO nanoflakes was also evaluated at the optimal operating temperature, yielding a response of 13.5 to 100 ppm hydrogen, with response time and recovery time of 17 and 21 s, respectively, and exhibiting a high concentration-dependent response. The material’s enhanced gas sensing performance is due to a synergistic effect. This effect combines abundant active sites on nanoflakes with inherent catalytic properties of gold nanoparticles.

The hydrogen value chain is constrained by materials limitations in hydrogen production, storage, and detection, yet these domains are often studied independently. Electrolysis impurities degrade metal hydride performance, high pressure affects sensor calibration, and detection delays compromise safety. No single material system simultaneously achieves efficiency, safety, durability, and scalability. This review presents a descriptor-based design strategy integrating electronic structure, adsorption energetics, transport properties, machine learning, and autonomous screening to accelerate materials discovery. It distinguishes shared interfacial descriptors linking hydrogen evolution, initial hydride uptake, and surface-mediated sensing from the bulk thermodynamic, structural, and diffusion descriptors governing hydrogen storage. A 2035 roadmap targets stable non-precious OER catalysts operating above 1 A cm−2, reversible hydrides with 6 wt% system capacity below 100 °C, and smart sensor networks with <5 s response and >10-year lifetime. Achieving these goals requires integrated design, standardized validation, and comprehensive risk assessment across the hydrogen value chain.

Accurate and real-time sensing is fundamental to advancements in health diagnostics,environmental monitoring,and industrial safety.However,conventional sensing materials such as metal oxides,conducting polymers,and carbon-based composites are constrained by intrinsic trade-offs between sensitivity,selectivity,and operational stability.To address these limitations,metal-organic frameworks(MOFs)have emerged as a transformative class of materials,offering unparalleled structural tunability,ultrahigh surface areas,and programmable pore chemistry.This comprehensive review provides an in-depth analysis of MOF-based chemiresistive sensors,moving beyond a simple catalog of examples to establish a mechanistic understanding of how molecular-level design dictates sensing performance.We systematically deconstruct the evolution from often-insulating pristine MOFs to advanced composites where MOFs synergize with conductive fillers like graphene,carbon nanotubes,and polymers and to MOF-derived porous carbons and metal oxides.Each category is critically examined to highlight strategies for overcoming inherent challenges in electrical conductivity,response kinetics,and long-term stability.The review is structured to guide the researcher in the field from fundamental design principles and charge transport mechanisms to performance benchmarking against key metrics such as sensitivity,limit of detection,selectivity,and response/recovery times.A significant focus is placed on the integration of MOFs into next-generation applications,including flexible and wearable electronics,multi-parameter sensor arrays,and intelligent systems that leverage artificial intelligence for pattern recognition and drift compensation.Furthermore,we critically address the pivotal challenges hindering practical deployment,such as hydrothermal/chemical stability,mechanical robustness for wearable formats,and the urgent need for standardized testing protocols.By synthesizing insights from fundamental research and cutting-edge applications,this review serves as a rational design guide and a forward-looking perspective,outlining a concrete roadmap for harnessing the full potential of MOFs in the development of intelligent,reliable,and commercially viable next-generation chemiresistive sensing technologies.

Fe2O3 cubes were synthesized by simple hydrothermal method, while ZnO nanoparticles were prepared by hydrolysis reaction method. Subsequently, ZnO/Fe2O3 n-n heterogeneous structures were formed by loading ZnO nanoparticles of varying contents on the surface with Fe2O3, which served as the precursor. The gas sensing performance of these sensors fabricated from these materials was analyzed. In the evaluation of gas response characteristics, the 1 wt% ZnO/Fe2O3 sensor exhibited a maximum response value of 72.8 to 100 ppm acetone at its optimal operating temperature of 230 degrees C, which is 5.9 times higher than that of the pure Fe2O3 sensor (12.4 at 280 degrees C), along with rapid response (7 s) and recovery (10 s) times, as well as excellent selectivity and repeatability. Its remarkable sensing capability is due to the presence of n-n heterojunctions, which promote gas molecule adsorption and carrier migration.

It is important to develop hydrogen gas sensors with low power consumption, rapid response and high sensitivity/selectivity to monitor hydrogen leakage. Here, TiO2 hollow dodecahedrons are successfully synthesized using ammonium tungsten phosphate hydrate dodecahedrons as hard templates. Then, Pd/TiO2 hollow dodecahedral composites are prepared by loading Pd nanoparticles onto TiO2 hollow dodecahedrons by liquid phase reduction method. Both TiO2 and Pd/TiO2 hollow dodecahedrons are fabricated into gas sensors, and their sensing performance is evaluated. The results show that the Pd/TiO2 hollow dodecahedral sensor exhibits a highly sensitive response (3.5) to 200 ppm hydrogen at a low working temperature of 100 degrees C. In addition, the Pd/TiO2 hollow dodecahedrons also show a short response/recovery time (19 s/5.5 s), a good linear relationship (R2=0.995), good repeatability and excellent stability for hydrogen detection. The excellent gas sensing performance of the Pd/TiO2 hollow dodecahedrons is attributed to their hollow structure and the catalytic sensitization of Pd nanoparticles. This work demonstrates that a new preparation route of sensing material for highly selective and selective hydrogen detection.

To develop high-responsive and selective sensors for H2 detection at low concentration is on demand. Here, ammonium phosphotungstate hydrate dodecahedrons were used as hard templates to prepare hollow SnO2 dodecahedron with a large specific surface area. Then, Pd/SnO2, Ag/SnO2 and Pt/SnO2 hollow dodecahedrons were prepared via a liquid-phase reduction method by uniformly decorating the SnO2 hollow dodecahedrons with finely dispersed Pd, Ag and Pt nanoparticles, respectively. The morphology, microstructure, and gas-sensing characteristics of the prepared sensing materials were analyzed. Compared with the SnO2, Ag/SnO2 and Pt/SnO2 hollow dodecahedron sensors, the Pd/SnO2 hollow dodecahedron sensor exhibited a better response value and linearity to 0.1 % H2 at the optimal operating temperature (160 degrees C), and a significant response (2.6) and shorter response/recovery time (15 s/9 s) to 0.1 % H2 even at low operating temperature (80 degrees C). Moreover, this sensor exhibits high selectivity and long-term stability for H2 at low operating temperatures (80 degrees C). The outstanding performance of this sensor is due to its exceptional microstructure, namely the hollow dodecahedron structure with a high specific surface area, and the catalytic properties of Pd nanoparticles, as well as the synergistic interplay between crystal structure and morphology.

The large radius of sodium ions causes an increase in anode volume during charge/discharge cycles, which can damage the electrode structure and deteriorate the battery's cycling performance. The conductivity of electrode materials and sodium-ion diffusion rate can be improved through materials morphology control, composite material construction, and doping, consequently boosting the performance rate and cycling stability of Na+ batteries. In this work, Mn/Fe bimetallic oxalate nanorod templates were prepared using liquid-phase precipitation techniques, followed by calcination in air and coating with resorcinol-formaldehyde resin. Subsequently, carbon-coated MnSe/FeSe (MnSe/FeSe@C) nanorods were obtained through carbonization-selenization reactions. A reversible capacity of 263.1 mAh g- 1 was retained by MnSe/FeSe@C nanorods after 3800 cycles at 10.0 A g- 1 when utilized as an anode for Na+ batteries. The electrochemical characteristics are primarily attributed to the interactive effect of carbon coating and heterostructured MnSe/FeSe. The aggregation of MnSe/ FeSe nanoparticles was effectively mitigated by the outer carbon coating, while the volume expansion during the reaction of MnSe/FeSe@C with sodium ions was effectively mitigated by the internal voids within the carbon layer of the nanorods. Furthermore, the bimetallic composition of the anode materials formed a well-defined phase interface, optimizing sodium-ion transport channels and enhancing the battery's charge-discharge rate performance. Electrolyte penetration was facilitated, the electrolyte contact area was increased, and the sodium ion transport pathway was shortened by the carbon-coated one-dimensional porous rod-like structure, contributing to improved energy efficiency, anode performance rate, and cycling stability. The results highlight the potential of MnSe/FeSe@C nanorods as an efficient anode material for next-generation Na+ battery.

This study synthesized a porous structure of NiMoO4-NiO microflowers assembled with uniform nanosheets using a facile hydrothermal technique and calcination method. The unique porous microflower, consisting of the nanosheets assembled together, provides abundant space for gas diffusion and channels for electron transport. The gas sensor, fabricated using the NiMoO4-NiO microflowers, exhibited outstanding sensing behaviors towards NO2 gas. It showed a higher response value of 36.9 at 210 degrees C, with short response/recovery times of 30 s/16 s for 100 ppm NO2 gas. The detection limit for NO2 gas was 207 ppb. Additionally, it demonstrated high selectivity to NO2 gas and excellent long-term stability. Furthermore, the sensor was tested under different relative humidity conditions. The superior NO2 sensing properties are attributed to the abundant p-p heterojunctions, synergistic catalytic effect between the NiMoO4 and the NiO, and the porous microflowers. The NiMoO4-NiO microflowers sensor shows great promise for detecting NO2 gas in practical applications.

Ferrites with superstructures exhibit great potential for gas sensing applications, benefiting from their open structure, high specific surface area, and fully exposed active sites. However, the preparation of these superstructures is often cumbersome and requires some surfactants. In this study, Zn-Fe Prussian blue analogue (PBA) nanocages were synthesized through Ostwald ripening using a simple liquid-phase coprecipitation method without any other etchants or surfactants. A series of MFe2O4 (M = Fe, Co, Ni, Cu) nanocages, including n-type and p-type semiconductors, were obtained using the Zn-Fe PBA nanocages as templates via a metal ion exchange strategy and annealing process. Gas sensing investigations revealed that Zn-CuFe2O4, Zn-Fe3O4, and Zn-CoFe2O4 materials exhibited high sensitivity and selectivity for H2S, ZnFe2O4 for H2, and Zn-NiFe2O4 for NO2 at relatively low operating temperatures (50-150 °C). Quasi-in situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and in situ infrared spectroscopy analyses indicated that during the H2S sensing response process, H2S reacted with the adsorbed oxygen on the surface of Zn-doped Fe3O4 and CuFe2O4 materials, as well as with the materials themselves, resulting in the formation of metal sulfide intermediates in small quantities. This work advances the controllable preparation of nanosuperstructures and lays a sound foundation for their widespread applications.

SnO2/Zn2SnO4 microflowers with a porous structure have been synthesized using hydrothermal reaction, sulfurization, and assisted calcination techniques. These microflowers consist of uniform nanosheets. The porous SnO2/Zn2SnO4 microflower sensor demonstrates the highest response to formaldehyde gas among 12 types of harmful gases, exhibiting a significant response of 273 at a concentration of 100 ppm formaldehyde, which is substantially higher than the response of the pure SnO2 sensor (28.2). The response and recovery times of the composites are 12 s and 6 s, respectively, which are faster than the 13 s and 18 s observed for the pure SnO2 sensor. Furthermore, the LOD for the SnO2/Zn2SnO4 and pure SnO2 sensors is 19.946 ppb and 130.894 ppb, respectively. Both sensors demonstrate excellent cycling stability in long-term tests. The remarkable sensing performance is primarily attributed to the n-n heterojunction design, larger specific surface area, and porous flower-like structure, making the porous Zn2SnO4/SnO2 microflowers highly promising for gas sensing applications.

The rational integration of nanomaterials with different functions is a new solution to improve the gas-sensing performance of metal oxide gas sensors. In this paper, Fe2O3 nanotube-decorated ZnFe2O4 open nanocages and nanoboxes with a hierarchical complex superstructure are prepared by an autotemplate epitaxial growth strategy combined with an annealing process. The gas sensitivity test result shows that the Fe2O3 nanotube-decorated ZnFe2O4 open nanocage exhibited good gas selectivity for H2S at a relatively low operating temperature (140 °C) with fast response/recovery time (12/96 s) and a detection limit as low as 39 ppb. The superior gas-sensing performance of Fe2O3 nanotube-decorated ZnFe2O4 open nanocages is attributed not only to the combination of open cavities and porous shell structures but also to the highly active tubular Fe2O3 subunits with ultrathin wall thickness to promote the adsorption of gas molecules and the migration of carriers. Quasi in situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and in situ infrared characterization reveal that H2S is physically adsorbed in an unstable state on the surface of the Fe2O3-nanotube-decorated ZnFe2O4 open nanocages during the gas-sensing response. This unstable adsorption facilitates faster desorption, thereby significantly reducing the sensor's response/recovery times. This work not only provides a novel strategy for designing high-performance H2S gas-sensing materials but also proposes a promising approach for engineering complex nanostructures with enhanced functionalities.

Porous SnO2/CuO nanosheets were prepared using a one-pot hydrothermal method. The samples were characterized using various analytical techniques. Additionally, porous SnO2 microflowers composed of uniform nanosheets were also produced. The specific surface areas (SSAs) of the porous SnO2/CuO nanosheets micro- cubes and the porous SnO2 microflowers were measured at 68.21 m 2 g- 1 and 11.91 m 2 g- 1 , respectively. The porous SnO2/CuO nanosheets sensor displayed the superior sensing properties for isopropanol among the ten gases tested, achieving a maximum response of 51.76 towards 100 ppm isopropanol at an optimal working temperature. The response and recovery times for the SnO2/CuO sensor were recorded at 10 s and 14 s, respectively. Furthermore, the porous SnO2/CuO nanosheets sensor demonstrated excellent stability and repeatability over 28-day cycles, along with a low detection limit of 29 ppb. The combined benefits of the porous structure, larger SSA, and abundant p-n heterojunctions contributed to the enhanced sensing performance.