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.

ABSTRACT Accelerating sulfur redox reaction (SRR) kinetics is important for suppressing the shuttle effect in Li–S batteries. While most efforts focus on optimizing lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) adsorption and conversion, the critical role of directional migration of Li + and polysulfide anions (S n 2− ) remains overlooked. Here, we report a 2D atomic Co‐decorated TiN/TiO 2 in‐plane heterostructure (Co‐TiN/TiO 2 ) that uniquely integrates highly catalytic Co single atoms, stabilized by strong metal–support interaction, with a heterointerface‐induced built‐in electric field (BIEF). Unlike conventional single‐atom catalysts or simple heterostructures, this design works like a “supply‐and‐removal” production line: the BIEF drives Li + toward the active sites for charge compensation while expelling S n 2− away, thereby mitigating the accumulation of LiPSs, which is consistent with the observed prevention of catalyst passivation and enhanced SRR kinetics. Consequently, the battery with Co‐TiN/TiO 2 catalyst delivers a high initial capacity of 1075 mAh g −1 at 1 C and remarkable cycling stability with a decay rate of only 0.05% per cycle over 1000 cycles. Even under high sulfur loading and lean electrolyte conditions, it maintains a high areal capacity of 4.7 mAh cm −2 and outstanding cycling performance. This work highlights the importance of coordinated ion management in designing high‐efficiency catalysts for Li–S batteries.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Lithium (Li) metal anodes hold great promise for next-generation secondary batteries with high energy density. Unfortunately, several problems such as Li dendrite growth, low Coulombic efficiency and poor cycle life hinder the commercialization of Li metal anodes. Herein, we design a highly lithiophilic carbon cloth host modified with Sn-doped zinc oxide (ZnO) (ZnSn-CC) directly derived from a bimetallic ZnSn metal-organic framework (ZnSn-MOF), which boosts uniform Li plating/stripping during charge-discharge and effectively protects the Li metal anode. Due to the lithiophilic modification, the cycling reversibility of the host material is increased and the growth of Li dendrites and the generation of "dead Li" are inhibited. As a result, the resultant composite Li metal anode (ZnSn-CC@Li) manages to retain cycling stability for over 1000 h at a current density of 1 mA cm-2 and a specific capacity of 1 mAh cm-2 in a symmetric cell. When paired with the LiFePO4 (LFP) and LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 (NCM) cathodes, both the assembled ZnSn-CC@Li||LFP and ZnSn-CC@Li||NCM full cell achieve good rate capability and improved cycle life. Density functional theory calculations, in combination with in-situ X-ray diffraction (XRD), in-situ time-lapse optical testing, ex-situ extended X-ray fine structure (EXAFS) and X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) analysis, reveal the origin of the synergetic interaction between Tin (Sn) and Zinc (Zn) atoms upon Sn-doping in ZnO. The improved lithiophilicity can be attributed to the incorporation of Sn atoms, which have a higher coordination number than Zn atoms, into the ZnO lattice, forming joint adsorption sites of multiple oxygen atoms toward Li atoms. The Li nucleation barrier is thereby reduced and the smooth Li deposition is facilitated. The findings provide a new strategy for the rational design of functional host materials based on bimetallic MOFs derivatives toward high-performance and safe Li metal batteries.

The conventional von Neumann architecture is increasingly losing the capacity to satisfy the urgent demand for high‐speed parallel computing, energy efficiency, and ultralow power consumption owing to the rapid growth of information. Brain‐inspired neuromorphic computing presents an opportunity to overcome the inherent limitations of conventional computers. In recent years, photoelectric neuromorphic devices have garnered significant attention for their potential applications in brain–machine interfaces, intelligent sensing, and neuromorphic computing. Herein, a simple two‐terminal light‐stimulated synaptic device is fabricated using GaN thin films through metal‐organic chemical vapor deposition. The device demonstrates the ability to mimic various biological synaptic functions, including learning‐experience behavior, the transition from short‐term to long‐term memory, paired‐pulse facilitation, and visual recognition and memory. In this research, an effective strategy for developing photonic synapses using GaN‐based materials in neuromorphic computing and bio‐realistic artificial intelligence systems is presented.

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.

Two-dimensional (2D) metals have drawn great attention because of their extraordinary properties, especially in applications that favor van der Waals interaction. The development of advanced characterization tools has facilitated the understanding of formation or growth mechanisms of 2D metals. In this perspective, we discuss 5 common approaches to obtaining 2D metals, including, (top down) van der Waals squeezing and selective extraction, and (bottom up) electron beam-induced growth, self-assembly, and graphene-templated wet chemistry growth. The future opportunities are proposed in the summary section. Furthermore, challenges and problems such as thermodynamic stability and scalability in 2D material growth are proposed for the community to tackle.

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.

Silicon (Si) stands as a premier anode candidate for next-generation lithium-ion batteries, yet its commercialization is impeded by substantial volume expansion and concomitant side reactions. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs), leveraging their high aspect ratio and exceptional conductivity, form long-range conductive networks that mitigate electrode bulk variation, suppress repetitive SEI formation, and accelerate electrochemical kinetics. However, the critical role of the interaction between CNTs and binders is normally neglected in previous studies. In this work, we first decipher that the weak interfacial adhesion between rigid CNTs and binders, coupled with insufficient bonding sites, is a significant factor causing mechanical failure of Si anodes. Furthermore, we design a reinforced CNT-binder interface via robust interfacial hydrogen bonds between carboxylated CNTs (COOH-CNTs) and lithiated poly(acrylic acid) (Li-PAA) binders, achieving a mechanically resilient Si electrode. The resultant electrode exhibits an enhanced strain tolerance and reduced impedance during fast charging. Consequently, the COOH-CNT-modified nano-Si anode delivers significantly enhanced electrochemical performance, retaining 68.8% capacity after 300 cycles at 2 A g-1. This work establishes interfacial chemistry engineering of CNT additives as a critical strategy for developing high-energy-density lithium-ion batteries.

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.

The present work introduces the synergistic effect of co-doping of both oleate-coated superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) and Mn(NO3)(2) into silica nanoparticles (SNs) on the T-1-relaxivity relaxivity of Mn2+ ions. The observed synergism can be attributed to the limited oxidation of Mn(2+ )ions when they are doped into the outer layer of SNs doped with SPIONs, despite the alkaline synthesis conditions. The electrochemical behaviour of the manganese ions inside co-doped SNs corroborates the predominance of their oxidation state (2+). Moreover, the T-1 relaxivities of co-doped SNs have been determined to be 20.0 mM(- 1 )s(- 1 ) and 30.0 mM(- 1 ) s(- 1 ) at 0.47 T. The T-2 relaxivity of co-doped SNs can be tuned by incorporating 6 or 13 nm SPIONs with different saturation magnetizations, which allows the T-2/T-1 2 /T (1) relaxation ratios to be limited to 0.8-5.9. The incorporation of amino groups on the surface of co-doped SNs by substituting silanol groups with propylamino groups reduces T-1 relaxivity to 9.0 mM(- 1) s(- 1) , which is nevertheless sufficient to provide a brightening of the abdominal organs and mouse brain in magnetic resonance imaging at 11.7 T. The preferential localisation of co-doped SNs in the kidneys and intestines compared to the liver is a consequence of the specificity of amino-substituted SNs compared to bare SNs.