Conventional layered oxide cathodes for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) suffer from severe capacity degradation due to crystalline surface reactivity, which triggers parasitic reactions with ambient H2O/O-2, leading to surface corrosion and bulk structural collapse. Herein, we introduce a high-entropy engineering strategy that designs a self-protective cathode, Na0.8Mg0.1Zn0.1Cu0.1Fe0.1Mn0.6O2 (HEO). This material spontaneously forms an entropy-stabilized amorphous surface coating with an ultralow formation energy of 0.16 eV. The coating acts as a kinetic barrier, raising the activation energy for detrimental H2O/O2 reactions by 160 % compared to a low-entropy counterpart (Na0.8Mg0.2Mn0.8O2). The synergy between entropy stabilization and surface amorphization delivers exceptional environmental robustness. After 90 days of water exposure, HEO retains 98 % of its initial capacity, and 99 % capacity retention over 100 cycles, surpassing state-of-the-art layered cathodes in cycling stability. This work establishes a universal framework for designing air/water-resilient cathodes, with immediate implications for scalable manufacturing and long-term storage stability of SIB systems.

Single-atom catalysts are often framed as isolated reactive sites that maximize atom efficiency in chemical transformations. A less explored role is their function as growth directors, viz., atomic-scale agents that bias nucleation pathways, steer incorporation events, and shape early-stage morphologies with precision beyond that of nanoparticles. The strongest experimental evidence comes from graphene, where advanced scanning tunneling and scanning/transmission electron microscopies enable direct tracking of atoms at growth edges and kinks, linking configurations to stepwise growth. First-principles studies on Rh(111) propose that transition-metal single atoms, particularly Mo, can promote productive feeding species such as diatomic carbon and boron nitride (BN) dimers, lower kinetic barriers during early h-BN-graphene lateral heterostructure growth, and influence boundary chemistry. This perspective reframes single atoms as growth directors, distills the mechanistic insights established for graphene, extends them to emerging heterostructures, and outlines criteria for identifying single-atom-directed growth, providing a basis for the rational design of atomically precise 2D interfaces.

Electron beam induced deposition (EBID) has emerged as a versatile direct-write nanofabrication technique capable of producing nanoscale structures through localized electron-driven precursor dissociation. Most EBID research has centred on focused electron beam induced deposition (FEBID) systems that employ dedicated precursor delivery to fabricate metallic and functional nanostructures with high spatial precision. In conventional scanning electron microscopes (SEMs), however, electron irradiation also dissociates residual hydrocarbons present in the chamber environment, leading to localized carbon deposition that has historically been treated as an undesirable contamination effect. In this review, carbon EBID occurring in conventional SEM platforms is reconsidered as a potential fabrication strategy rather than solely a contamination phenomenon. We examine the fundamental mechanisms governing hydrocarbon-driven deposition, including electron-precursor interactions, secondary-electron-mediated dissociation, and precursor transport processes that control growth kinetics and morphology. The influence of beam parameters, scan strategies, and surface diffusion on process controllability and patterning capability is discussed, together with the material characteristics of the resulting amorphous carbon deposits. Although hydrocarbon-driven EBID lacks the controlled precursor delivery of conventional FEBID systems, it offers several advantages, including direct-write capability, compatibility with arbitrary substrates, and widespread accessibility through existing SEM instrumentation. By leveraging established FEBID process knowledge, systematic parameter mapping, and emerging data-driven optimization approaches, hydrocarbon-driven carbon deposition in SEM can be reframed from an imaging artifact into a practical and widely accessible pathway toward nanoscale additive manufacturing.

Mechanically robust polyacrylic acid (PAA) binders are extensively investigated for improving the structural stability and extending the cycle life of Si anodes. However, PAA cannot simultaneously suppress interfacial side reactions, preserve structural integrity, and ensure efficient ion transport. This paper presents a mechanically elastic polymeric binder, PCZn, that integrates locally positive charges to introduce a LiF-rich interface and high ionic conductivity within a triangular architecture established through the triadic interaction of a long-chain PAA adhesive, cross-linking agent chitosan oligosaccharide, and cation donor zinc gluconate. PCZn imparts a highly reversible anti-strain capability, a conformal LiF-rich solid-electrolyte-interface layer, and high ionic conductivity to Si anodes, resulting in remarkable electrochemical performance with a high capacity of 1210 mAh g-1 after 450 cycles at 3 A g-1 and enhanced fast-charging capability of 1468 mAh g-1 at 8 A g-1. Thus, concurrently addressing mechanical failure, interfacial instability, and sluggish kinetics of Si anodes through advanced binder design will help develop high-energy-density next-generation batteries with long cycle lives.

Lattice oxygen redox offers a pathway to high-energy sodium cathodes but is limited by irreversible oxygen release, electrolyte decomposition, and transition metal dissolution at high voltage. In this study, we overcome these challenges by designing a dipole-engineered conformal artificial interphase on sodium anion-redox cathodes (DC-SARC). The artificial interphase features directionally aligned dipoles that generate a built-in electric field, elevating the surface O 2p band center via the Stark effect and thereby promoting reversible oxygen redox. Simultaneously, the conformal artificial interphase acts as a physical barrier that prevents direct contact between the electrolyte and reactive SARC surface to inhibit electrolyte decomposition and transition metal dissolution. Consequently, the DC-SARC yields excellent stability with capacity retention of 96% and almost no voltage decay (only 0.8%) over 100 cycles. The proposed SARC design provides a promising path to high-voltage and ultra-stable battery systems.

Freestanding single-atom-thick metals and metal oxides, suspended without a solid substrate and supported only at their edges, represent an extreme 2D limit inaccessible through exfoliation of van der Waals solids.

Abstract Polymers are attractive precursors for graphene because they offer sustainability and chemical tunability. This review compares major polymer-to-graphene conversion methods, including chemical vapour deposition (CVD), flash graphene manufacturing (FGM), laser-induced graphitisation (LIG), and electron-beam-induced graphitisation (EBIG). These methods include both bottom-up growth and phase-transformation approaches, ranging from large-scale conversion of waste plastics to high-precision, direct-write nanomanufacturing. Key factors such as graphene crystallinity, layer control, scalability, patterning capability, and heteroatom removal are discussed. CVD is the most reliable method for producing wafer-scale graphene with high structural order, while FGM enables rapid and low-cost synthesis of turbostratic graphene from various carbon-rich wastes. LIG provides a simple and flexible approach for fabricating patterned porous graphene on polymer substrates. EBIG allows nanoscale spatial control and offers possibilities for defect engineering and controlled doping, making it suitable for graphene nanostructures and nanoelectronics applications. By examining the roles of polymer composition, catalysts, energy input, and processing atmosphere, this review highlights how polymers act as both carbon and dopant sources and discusses phase-transformation strategies for improved structural control. Overall, polymer-derived graphene links sustainable processing with spatially controlled graphene fabrication.

Hollow graphitic nanoshells (HGSs) are widely investigated as battery materials because their conductive shells and internal voids can simultaneously influence ion transport, electron percolation, and mechanical stress accommodation. Yet, the field remains largely morphology-driven, with performance often attributed generically to “hollowness” rather than to structural parameters. This review examines HGSs from a parameter-oriented perspective. It highlights key structural features, including graphitization degree, shell thickness, cavity size, pore architecture, and defect or dopant chemistry. These features collectively shape electrochemical behavior. We discuss how these features influence transport kinetics, interphase stability, volumetric efficiency, and mechanical resilience across insertion, metal anode, multivalent, solid-state, and halogen chemistries. Major synthesis approaches, including hard-templated, soft-templated, self-templated, and biomass-derived routes, are evaluated based on the structural control they provide and the influence of synthesis conditions on shell architecture, graphitic ordering, and pore structure. Special attention is given to how these structural features develop during processing and how they affect ion accessibility, conductivity, and stability. Finally, we outline a shift toward quantitative, parameter-driven engineering supported by operando diagnostics, electrode-level modeling, and standardized reporting. HGSs will only achieve practical relevance when structural optimization extends beyond particle morphology to transport uniformity, interfacial stability, network connectivity, and life-cycle responsibility.

Silicon (Si) is recognized as a promising anode material for next-generation lithium-ion batteries owing to its exceptionally high lithium storage capacity. Recently, micro-sized Si (micro-Si) based anodes have re-emerged as alternatives to nano-sized Si (nano-Si) owing to their higher tap density and reduced interfacial side reactions. Considerable efforts are devoted to addressing the rapid capacity decay caused by severe volume expansion, sluggish kinetics, and continuous accumulation of the solid electrolyte interphase. In this review, the primary failure mechanisms of micro-Si anodes is first analyzed and subsequently summarize recent advances in enhancing their structural and interfacial stability. The design of Si-containing materials (primarily Si/C composites and SiOx structures) that meet the current industrial requirements is discussed. Additionally, binder optimization and electrolyte exploration are analyzed. Finally, the potential application of advanced spectroscopic, electronic, and mechanical characterization techniques is explored, coupled with machine learning, in developing Si-based anodes. This review aims to comprehensively understand the rational design and in-depth analysis of next-generation micro-Si based lithium-ion batteries.

Natural graphite, with its lower production cost, higher capacity, and superior electrical conductivity than artificial graphite, currently accounts for approximately 40% of the global lithium-ion battery anode market. However, the inadequate compatibility of natural graphite with commercial carbonate ester electrolytes leads to irreversible capacity loss, reduce coulombic efficiency, and rapid capacity decline during cycling. Applying an oxygen-deficient titanium dioxide (TiO2-x) protective layer to natural graphite anodes has been noted as a successful method for improving their structural integrity and cycling stability; however, the fragile solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) limits their fast-charging capability. In this study, nitrogen atoms are strategically incorporated into the TiO2-x surface structures, creating a lychee-like primary interphase that regulated the interfacial electrochemistry and facilitated the development of a LiF-dominated SEI. The robust LiF-dominated SEI, as examined through ex situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis and kinetic evaluations, successfully mitigates interfacial side reactions and enhances bulk charge transfer. Consequently, the modified natural graphite anodes exhibit improved capacities at higher current densities, delivering a stable reversible capacity of 388.9 mAh g-1 after 200 cycles at a rate of 5 C.

Graphene, with its exceptional electronic, mechanical, and thermal properties, remains a cornerstone material for next-generation nanoelectronics. However, conventional lithographic approaches to graphene patterning are fraught with challenges, including contamination, alignment complexity, and scalability constraints. This review critically examines the evolving landscape of direct-write graphene technologies, focusing on forefront strategies such as focused electron beam-induced deposition (FEBID), polymer-to-graphene (P2G) conversion, focused ion beam (FIB) modification, and laser-assisted graphitisation. These techniques represent a departure from traditional top-down or transfer-based methods by enabling bottom-up, spatially resolved patterning without intermediary masking steps. Particular attention is devoted to the physicochemical mechanisms that underlie electron- and photon-mediated graphitisation, the role of precursor chemistry and substrate interactions, as well as the influence of beam parameters on sp2-carbon content and structural ordering. The review further delineates the limitations intrinsic to current methodologies, including partial graphitisation, resolution fidelity, and hardware constraints, and proposes a roadmap to achieve truly "direct" graphene writing. This includes in situ processing under controlled environments, advanced beam control systems, and the adoption of catalytic and graphitizable precursors. Collectively, this work provides a comprehensive foundation for the rational design of next-generation nanofabrication protocols and underscores the transformative potential of direct-write techniques in enabling scalable, high-fidelity graphene-based devices.

This paper reviews strategies to modify insertion anodes (graphite, Ti-based, MXene) via nanostructuring, phase and composite design, showing enhanced capacity, rate, and cycling stability through structural, interface, and conductivity optimization.

Microsilicon (mu Si) anode, with an ultrahigh capacity of 3579 mAh g-1, presents less interfacial side reactions and lower production costs compared to nanosilicon, making it a promising candidate for lithium-ion batteries. However, the severe local stress produced upon repeated lithium insertion and extraction causes structural deterioration, significantly reducing the cycling stability of mu Si anodes. Here, biomass-derived carbon microtubes are introduced into mu Si electrodes as elasticity mediators to alleviate the stress generated during electrode cycling. After carbonization at a moderate temperature of 370 degrees C, the carbon tube walls retain some organic ingredients and exhibit impressive elasticity and resilience, which can effectively alleviate the volume expansion of mu Si particles and prevent pulverization of the electrode. In addition, the large inner diameter of the carbon tube provides additional space to compensate for the volume expansion of microsized silicon. The mu Si anode with carbon microtubes additives delivers an enhanced capacity of 1047 mAh g-1 after 200 cycles at a high current density of 2 A g-1. These results indicate that carbon microtubes are efficient stress-regulating additives for mu Si anodes, and further research may extend their application to other high-capacity alloy anodes, such as SiOx, phosphorus-based, and tin-based anodes.

Abstract Graphene is an atomically thin material composed of a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice, which exhibits unique electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties. The intentional introduction of foreign atoms into the structure of graphene by doping is a powerful approach for modifying these properties, making graphene suitable for a range of advanced applications. Among the various synthesis techniques, chemical vapor deposition (CVD) is particularly effective for doping because it allows precise control over the growth conditions and dopant incorporation, outperforming other synthesis strategies in terms of scalability, uniformity, and clean growth. This review examines how solid, liquid, and gaseous precursor types play crucial roles in CVD doping, directly affecting the growth dynamics, doping efficiency, and material quality. By analyzing the mechanisms associated with each precursor form, this review highlights how these strategies address the challenges of achieving consistent and high-quality doped graphene. This discussion provides valuable insight into advancing CVD techniques for producing doped graphene with enhanced properties for cutting-edge applications.

Graphitic nanomaterials have emerged as foundational components in nanoscience owing to their exceptional electrical, mechanical, and chemical properties, which can be tuned by controlling dimensionality and structural order. From zero-dimensional (0D) quantum dots, carbon nano-onions, and nanodiamonds to one-dimensional (1D) nanoribbons, two-dimensional (2D) nanowalls, and three-dimensional (3D) graphene foams, these architectures underpin advancements in catalysis, energy storage, sensing, and electronic technologies. Among various synthesis routes, chemical vapor deposition (CVD) provides unmatched versatility, enabling atomic-level control over carbon supply, substrate interactions, and plasma activation to produce well defined graphitic structures directly on functional supports. This review presents a comprehensive, dimension-resolved overview of CVD-derived graphitic nanomaterials, examining how process parameters such as precursor chemistry, temperature, hydrogen etching, and template design govern nucleation, crystallinity, and morphological evolution across 0D to 3D hierarchies. Comparative analyses of Raman, XPS, and XRD data are integrated to relate structural features with growth mechanisms and functional performance. By connecting mechanistic principles across dimensional scales, this review establishes a unified framework for understanding and optimizing CVD synthesis of graphitic nanostructures. It concludes by outlining a path forward for improving how CVD-grown carbon nanomaterials are made, monitored, and integrated into real devices so these can move from lab-scale experiments to practical, scalable technologies.

Lithium metal batteries (LMBs) are promising candidates for next-generation high-energy-density storage devices. However, an unstable lithium metal anode poses significant issues that critically compromise battery safety and cycle life, including lithium dendrite formation, solid electrolyte interphase degradation, dead lithium accumulation, and substantial volume fluctuations during cycling. These problems can be addressed by regulating lithium deposition and suppressing side reactions through the modification of copper current collectors using three classes of materials: metal and metal oxide, carbon, and polymer materials. This review comprehensively examines recent advances in the application of these materials as current collector coatings. Particularly, their distinct roles in the lithium deposition process are analyzed to understand how they mitigate the issues associated with the lithium metal anode. Furthermore, their inherent limitations are considered to inform future research directions. While each class of materials offers specific advantages, multifunctionality is required to effectively regulate lithium deposition. In prospect, a novel composite copper current collector design that integrates the merits of the aforementioned advanced materials is proposed. The insights from this review provide valuable guidance for the rational design of modified copper current collectors, which would significantly improve the safety and cycle life of LMBs and advance their commercialization.

Graphite anodes have approached their theoretical specific capacity of 372 mA h g-1, which becomes an obstacle for further increasing the energy density of commercial lithium-ion batteries. Various strategies have been proposed to enhance the energy density of graphite-based full batteries, such as decreasing the usage of inactive binders and conductive additives and exploring graphite/SiO x composite anodes. Nevertheless, the anodes cannot balance energy density, power density, and cycling stability. In this study, we designed an all-electrochem-active graphite electrode by manipulating the Li+ activity of the inactive components to improve the energy density of the entire electrode. In our study, colloidal two-dimensional titanium carbide nanosheets (MXene) were employed as binders, and carbon-coated titanium dioxide nanoparticles with oxygen defects (TiO2-x @C) acted as conductive additives in the electrode configurations. Both MXene and TiO2-x @C can function as active materials to store lithium ions by reversible insertion and extraction with little electrochemical degradation. As a result, the all-electrochem-active graphite electrodes demonstrated a superior specific capacity of 394 mA h g-1 at a current density of 0.2C after 300 cycles. This concept of all-electrochem-active electrodes is anticipated to inspire future research on high-energy-density batteries by activating the Li+ affinities of binders and conductive additives.

Owing to their advantages such as high energy density and excellent cycle performance, lithium-ion batteries have occupied a dominant position for many years in the fields of consumer electronics, energy storage, and new energy vehicles. Graphite is the most widely commercialized anode material because of its stable layered structure, excellent electrical conductivity, and cost-effectiveness. However, its inherent limitations, notably its relatively low theoretical specific capacity (372 mAh/g) and sluggish intrinsic ion diffusion kinetics, pose significant challenges to the development of high-energy and power density battery systems. This article briefly introduces the intercalation and failure mechanisms of graphite anode materials, reviews the research progress in the bulk and surface regulation of these materials, and discusses their future development prospects.

Graphitic carbon materials are widely used in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to their stability and high conductivity. However, graphite anodes have low specific capacity and degrade over time, limiting their application. To meet advanced energy storage needs, high-performance graphitic carbon materials are required. Enhancing the electrochemical performance of carbon materials can be achieved through boron and nitrogen doping and incorporating 3D structures such as carbon nanocages (CNCs). In this study, aluminum (Al) is introduced into CNC lattices via chemical vapor deposition (CVD). The hollow structure of CNCs enables fast electrolyte penetration. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations show that Al doping lowers the intercalation energy of Li+. The Al-boron (B)-nitrogen (N-doped CNC (AlBN-CNC) anode demonstrates an ultrahigh rate capacity (approximate to 300 mAh g(-1) at 10 A g(-1)) and a prolonged fast-charging lifespan (862.82 mAh g(-1) at 5 A g(-1) after 1000 cycles), surpassing the N-doped or BN-doped CNCs. Al doping improves charging kinetics and structural stability. Surprisingly, AlBN-CNCs exhibit increased capacity upon cycling due to enlarged graphitic interlayer spacing. Characterization of graphitic nanostructures confirms that Al doping effectively tailors and enhances their electrochemical properties, providing a new strategy for high-capacity, fast-charging graphitic carbon anode materials for next-generation LIBs.

The integration of transition metal dichalcogenides with photonic structures such as sol-gel SiOx:TiOy optical waveguides (WGs) makes possible the fabrication of photonic devices with the desired characteristics in the visible spectral range. In this study, we propose and experimentally demonstrate a MoS2-based photodetector integrated with a sol-gel SiOx:TiOy WG. Based on the spectroscopic measurements performed for our device, we concluded that the light entering the WG is almost completely channeled out from the WG and absorbed by the MoS2 flake, which is deposited on the WG. Therefore, this device works as a photodetector. The light coupling into the MoS2 region in this device construction is due to the high contrast of refractive index between the van der Waals crystal and the sol-gel WG, which is ∼4 and ∼1.8, respectively. The obtained MoS2-based photodetectors exhibit a photoresponsivity of 0.3 A W-1 (n-type MoS2) and 7.53 mA W-1 (p-type MoS2) at a bias voltage of 2 V. These results reveal great potential in the integration of sol-gel WGs with van der Waals crystals in optoelectronic applications.