Titanium niobium oxide is a promising anode candidate for lithium-ion batteries due to its high working potential, stability, and theoretical capacity. However, the difficult synergistic regulation of electronic conduction and structural stability, a critical challenge, combined with poor electronic/ionic transport kinetics, restricts its commercial application. Herein, a solvothermal-F127 template synergistic strategy was used to construct hierarchical porous microspheres assembled from Ti2Nb14O39 nanoparticles. This structure provides a high specific surface area and short ion diffusion paths, while micrometer-scale mechanical stability suppresses nanoparticle agglomeration. The F127-induced three-dimensional network enhances ion transport by 1-2 orders of magnitude. Nanoparticle contacts form an electron transport framework, and oxygen-vacancy-induced polaron transitions create fast electron channels, overcoming the limitations of traditional Ti-Nb oxides in conductivity and ion kinetics. The optimised material delivers an initial charge capacity of 299.76 mAh g(-1) (0.1C), maintains 174.68 mAh g(-1) at 40C, and exhibits 85.33% capacity retention after 200 cycles (5C). This work effectively addresses the simultaneous regulation of electronic conduction and structural stability in Nb-based materials, providing a universal design approach for high-power energy storage devices.

With the increasing global demand for clean energy, aqueous zinc‐ion batteries have emerged as a promising candidate for large‐scale energy storage owing to their high safety, low cost, and environmental friendliness. However, challenges associated with zinc metal anodes, such as dendrite formation, hydrogen evolution reactions, and corrosion, significantly hinder their cycling stability and commercial viability. This review systematically summarizes eight functional strategies involving artificial interfacial layers to address these issues. This review provides a systematic summary of eight functional strategies based on artificial interfacial layers designed to overcome these issues. By analyzing the mechanisms of various interfacial materials, it highlights their effectiveness in suppressing dendrite growth, mitigating side reactions, and enhancing cycling performance, and further offers perspectives and recommendations for the rational design of highly reversible zinc anodes.

The growing accumulation of spent lithium-ion batteries (SLIBs) poses substantial environmental challenges, highlighting the need for efficient recycling strategies to support circular resource utilization. In this research, an acetic acid (HAc)-choline chloride (CC) deep eutectic solvent (DES), combined with H2O2, was developed as an acidic leaching system for lithium recovery from complex black mass derived from SLFP. By comparing the leaching performances of different solvents in conjunction with the E-pH diagram of the Fe-P-Al-H2O system, the feasibility of lithium and impurity metal extraction using the DES was systematically validated. The optimal leaching conditions were determined as follows: MCC:HAc of 1:6, 300 r/min, 60 degrees C, 3 h, 60 g/L, and H2O2 addition at 6 vol%. Under these factors, the leaching efficiencies of Li, Cu, Al, Ni, Co, and Mn reached 97.57%, 93.41%, 79.05%, 87.61%, 95.61%, and 75.23%, respectively. Kinetic analysis indicated that the leaching process was primarily governed by diffusion-controlled behavior, with apparent activation energies of 12.260, 7.209, 11.456, 6.094, 7.141, and 6.917 kJ/mol, respectively. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were further employed as a qualitative supporting tool to provide molecular-level insight into DES-metal interactions. The proposed process promotes the enrichment of lithium and impurity metals in the leachate, thereby facilitating downstream impurity management and residue regeneration. Overall, this work provides a process-oriented perspective on DES-based recycling of complex SLFP black mass and offers practical guidance for subsequent separation and regeneration strategies.

Despite the appealing combination of cost-effectiveness and stability in Na4Fe3(PO4)2P2O7 (NFPP) for sodium-ion batteries, its long-cycle performance and rate capability remain challenging. In this study, Na4Fe2.94Zn0.06(PO4)2P2O7/C cathodes (NFPP-Zn0.06) were synthesized by a simple solid-state method with trace ZnO used as an additive. Zn2+ preferentially substitutes at Fe sites and induces Fe-site vacancies that suppress formation of electrochemically inert maricite NaFePO4, while remaining redox-inactive during cycling to act as a structural pillar that stabilizes the NFPP framework. This stabilizes the Na+ migration pathway, further lowering chargetransfer impedance and resulting in superior rate performance and long-term sodium-storage stability. Consequently, NFPP-Zn0.06 retains 78.7 % capacity after 10,000 cycles at 20 C and delivers 55.8 mAh g- 1 at 100 C, paired with hard carbon it maintains 95.9 % capacity after 100 cycles at 2 C. These results identify Zn doping as a practical route to reconcile long-term stability with high-rate capability in sodium-ion cathodes.

Niobium-based Wadsley-Roth (ReO3-type shear) oxides are promising intercalation anodes for fast-charging and safe lithium-ion batteries owing to their open frameworks and relatively high operating potentials; however, their practical use is still hindered by limited electron/ion transport and insufficient reversible capacity. Herein, we synthesize In3+-doped In0.5Nb24.5O62 via a solvothermal-calcination route and demonstrate that In3+ doping triggers a defect-rich ReO3-type shear structure with expanded lattice parameters and abundant cation-vacancy/ defect features. Such a structural modulation widens Li+ migration channels and creates additional electrochemically active sites, thereby accelerating charge transport and Li+ diffusion kinetics. Importantly, we systematically correlate calcination temperature and duration with phase evolution, defect/crystallite development, and rate/cycling behavior, identifying 1000 degrees C for 6 h as an optimal condition that balances moderate crystallinity and high defect density for fast yet stable lithiation/delithiation. As a result, the optimized anode delivers a high initial charge capacity of 359.24 mAh g-1 at 0.1 C, retains 157.33 mAh g-1 at 20 C, and maintains 210.49 mAh g-1after 500 cycles at 10 C with a capacity retention of 97.5 %. Density functional theory further reveals that In3+ doping reduces the band gap and decreases Li adsorption/formation energies, while providing more favorable adsorption sites and additional diffusion pathways with reduced barriers, rationalizing the enhanced fast-charging performance. This work highlights a general strategy of dopant-induced defect shear engineering combined with precise thermal-treatment control for designing high-rate and long-life niobium-based intercalation anodes.

O3-type layered oxide stands as a highly promising cathode material for sodium-ion batteries due to its high theoretical capacity and low cost. However, their application is hindered by slow diffusion kinetics and substandard air stability. Herein, we design a perovskite-structured Na1-xLaxNbO3 coating with oxygen vacancies on the surface of O3-type NaNi1/3Fe1/3Mn1/3O2 through in situ consumption of the surface residual alkali. The high-conductivity coating layer can significantly improve interfacial ion transport and reduce surface side reactions. Partial La3+ and Nb5+ doping from the coating layer improves the reversibility of phase transitions. In particular, the strong covalent bonds and vacancy coating layer inhibit lattice oxygen escape at high voltage. The modified cathode material exhibits remarkable electrochemical performance, with an initial coulombic efficiency of 99.55 %. It demonstrates outstanding cycling stability by retaining 71.42 % of its capacity after 350 cycles at 10 C. Notably, the material delivers a high capacity of 90.5 mAh/g even at 20 C. Furthermore, it retains a capacity of 82.58 mAh/g at 1 C after 14 days of air exposure. The vacancy-coated layer strategy presented in this work provides fundamental insights for developing O3-type cathode materials that simultaneously possess high-rate capability and excellent air stability.

Against the backdrop of global energy transition toward low‐carbon systems and the implementation of China's “Dual Carbon” strategic objectives, sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) have emerged as a critical complementary technology to lithium‐ion batteries due to their resource abundance, cost‐effectiveness, and superior low‐temperature performance. Among key components, hard carbon anode materials are regarded as the most promising candidates for SIBs owing to their low sodiation potential (<0.1 V vs Na/Na + ), high reversible capacity, long cycle life, and economic feasibility. This review focuses on biomass‐derived hard carbon materials, systematically summarizing research progress in sodium storage mechanisms, raw material sources (e.g., cellulose, starch, shells), preparation processes (pretreatment, carbonization strategies, post‐treatment), and advanced characterization techniques (e.g., interlayer spacing, closed pores, sodium clusters) employed across studies. The necessity of combining advanced characterization with experiments is further emphasized in the text to quantitatively analyze the correlation between microstructure characteristics and electrochemical performance. Only by establishing a plateau that collaboratively links the sources of biomass precursors, synthesis process parameters, and energy storage mechanisms, covering the entire process from “precursor → process → structure → performance”, can the hard carbon derived from biomass be elevated from an accidental product to a mature anode material for SIBs with adjustable structure and designable performance, and promote the practical application process of SIBs.

Nanotechnology is a game-changing technology for food processing, preserving, packaging, and food fortification. Utilization of nanomaterials like organic, inorganic and hybrid composites has emerged as a promising method to improve nutritional bioavailability, shelf life, sensory properties and smart and active packaging technology. They interact with proteins, lipids and carbohydrates in a size-, shape- and surface-chemistry-dependent manner, with implications for their stability and functional properties during processing and storage. Even though these positive applications exist, the high prevalence of nanomaterials in food systems is dangerous, such as causing cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, oxidative stress, bioaccumulation and disruption of gut microbiota. Other environmental concerns, including ecotoxicity, persistence and difficulties with life-cycle assessment, further highlight the importance of strong regulatory structures and safety assessment policies. Current deficiencies in mass production, risk assessment and publicity highlight the need to conduct interdisciplinary studies, risk management and communicate openly. The potential for the implementation of safer, more efficient and environmentally friendly nano-enabled food technologies is bright, as demonstrated by the sustainable and biodegradable nanomaterials, AI and digital food systems, and advanced nanosensors for smart packaging. The review provides an in-depth overview of the applications, potential health risks, regulations, challenges, and emerging trends in food nanotechnology.

Achieving both long-term stability and superior rate capability in Na4Fe3(PO4)2P2O7 (NFPP) cathodes remains a major challenge for sodium-ion batteries. Herein, we demonstrate a synergistic bond-defect strategy that circumvents this trade-off. The complementary interaction between Zn and F establishes a synergistic bond-defect environment. The strong bonding of Zn2+ mitigates the charge localization associated with F- doping. Furthermore, the strategy narrows the electronic bandgap to near-metallic values and enhances the degree of graphitization in carbon coatings, resulting in a marked improvement in electronic conductivity. The optimized Na3.95Fe2.95Zn0.05(PO4)2P2O6.95F0.05 (NFZPPF) exhibits outstanding cycling stability with 76.25% retention after 16,000 cycles at 20 C and remarkable rate performance, delivering 68.6 mAh g-1 at 50 C. Coupled with a hard carbon anode, the full cell retains 88.8% capacity after 200 cycles at 2 C, underscoring its viability for practical sodium-ion storage.

Understanding the sodium storage mechanism of single‐crystal O3‐NaNi 1/3 Fe 1/3 Mn 1/3 O 2 (SC‐NFM) in different voltage ranges is essential for sodium‐ion batteries. We systematically investigate the impact of different charge voltages on its electrochemical performance and structural evolution. Electrochemical tests reveal a slow capacity decay at 3.8V, with capacity retention reaching 93.5% after 200 cycles (1 C). In contrast, when the charge voltage is at 4.2 V, the retention drops sharply to 20.17%. A similar trend is observed in the SC‐NFM|HC full cell. Morphological characterization indicates that intergranular microcracks in cycled particles initiate and propagate with increasing voltage. Ex situ X‐ray diffraction results indicate a complex phase transition process (O3–P3–OP2–O3) during a 2–4.2 V voltage range. The formation of the detrimental OP2 phase intensifies structural deformation and impedes Na + intercalation, thereby accelerating capacity fade. As a result, more pronounced structural degradation and side reactions are observed at 4.2 V. The d Q /d V analysis further validates the occurrence of enhanced irreversible phase transitions and increased voltage polarization at higher voltages and over extended cycling. This study elucidates how different voltages accelerate structural degradation and performance deterioration of SC‐NFM, providing crucial insights for optimization of cycling and voltage management in sodium‐ion batteries.

Silicon (Si) has emerged as the prime anode material for next-generation lithium-ion batteries due to its high theoretical capacity. Nevertheless, the degradation of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) due to Si volume expansion limits its application. Herein, a robust lithium fluosilicate (Li2SiF6) layer was prepared on the surface of Si particles via a moderate-temperature sintering process. The structural characterizations show that Si nanoparticles were wrapped in a thin and uniform Li2SiF6 coating layer. The Li2SiF6 layer not only reduces surface side reactions but also alters the components of the SEI film. The structural stability and electrical conductivity of the SEI film on the Si anode have been significantly improved. Consequently, the Li2SiF6-modified Si anode demonstrates superior capacity retention of 85% after 200 cycles at 1 A g−1. This modification strategy remains effective for commercial silicon‑carbon (Si/C) anode material. The full-cell composed of a Li2SiF6-modified Si/C anode and an NCM811 cathode exhibits excellent cycling performance, with a capacity retention of 80.2% after 800 cycles at 1C. This novel coating strategy holds great promise for the development of high-performance silicon-based anode materials.

Raising the charge voltage of single-crystal Ni-rich layered oxide cathodes beyond 4.5 V is crucial for unlocking their ultimate energy density potential. However, this pursuit inevitably triggers severe interfacial parasitic reactions and bulk structural collapse, creating a critical challenge. Here, we report a supersaturated highvalence d0 cation synergy (Zr4+/W6+) as a dual-function regulator. The singular chemical origin simultaneously triggers the in-situ formation of a conformal Zr(WO4)2 coating and creates a Zr4+/W6+-stabilized gradient bulk lattice, achieving coherent stabilization from surface to subsurface. Critically, we discover that the highly polarizable W6+ not only strengthen the lattice; but also functions as an electronic bridge at the cathodeelectrolyte interphase, lowering the energy barrier for Li+ hopping and redistributing the electronic density away from reactive oxygen species, thereby decoupling the intertwined oxygen loss and transition-metal dissolution pathways. As a result, the modified cathode exhibits unprecedented cycling stability at 4.5 V and reliable operation over a wide temperature range. This work reveals a novel stabilization mechanism based on supersaturated high-valence d degrees cations (Mz+, z >= 4), shifts the paradigm from barrier protection to electronicinterfacial engineering, establishing a cation-polarizability-guided principle for designing ultra-stable, highvoltage energy materials.

Single-crystal LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 (SC-NCM811) cathode material has attracted great attention due to its high specific capacity, while its cycling performance still needs to be improved. In this study, a dual-coating strategy using ZnO and Ta2O5 is proposed for the modification of SC-NCM811. A coating layer approximately 1 nm thick was constructed on the material surface through a high-temperature solid-state method, which effectively suppresses Li+/Ni2+ cation mixing and enhances the structural stability. Systematic characterization results show that the ordered degree of the layered structure of the modified material is improved, the unit cell volume is reduced, the oxygen vacancy concentration is increased, and the Li+ diffusion channels are more unobstructed. Electrochemical performance tests indicate that the 1 wt.% ZnO+Ta2O5 coated sample (1ZnTa-NCM) has a first discharge specific capacity of 202.58 mAh & sdot;g-1 within the voltage range of 2.8-4.3 V, an initial coulombic efficiency of 85.35%, and a capacity retention rate of 87.33% at 1 C after 200 cycles, which is much higher than the original material (56.13%). Additionally, this sample still exhibits good cycling stability under high temperature (50 degrees C) and high voltage (4.5 V) conditions. Meanwhile, Ta5+ predominantly localizes in the near-surface region, forming a physical barrier along with a chemically stable layer that significantly inhibits electrolyte attack, the generation of oxygen vacancies, and oxygen release. The coating layer effectively inhibits side reactions and phase transitions, maintaining the integrity of the material structure during cycling. The study demonstrates that dual coating with ZnO and Ta2O5 combined with near-surface doping significantly enhances the structural stability and electrochemical performance of SC-NCM811, offering a promising strategy for developing cathode materials for high-energy-density lithium-ion batteries.

Titanium niobium oxide is a promising anode candidate for lithium‐ion batteries due to its high working potential, stability, and theoretical capacity. However, the difficult synergistic regulation of electronic conduction and structural stability, a critical challenge, combined with poor electronic/ionic transport kinetics, restricts its commercial application. Herein, a solvothermal‐F127 template synergistic strategy was used to construct hierarchical porous microspheres assembled from Ti 2 Nb 14 O 39 nanoparticles. This structure provides a high specific surface area and short ion diffusion paths, while micrometer‐scale mechanical stability suppresses nanoparticle agglomeration. The F127‐induced three‐dimensional network enhances ion transport by 1–2 orders of magnitude. Nanoparticle contacts form an electron transport framework, and oxygen‐vacancy‐induced polaron transitions create fast electron channels, overcoming the limitations of traditional Ti‐Nb oxides in conductivity and ion kinetics. The optimised material delivers an initial charge capacity of 299.76 mAh g −1 (0.1C), maintains 174.68 mAh g −1 at 40C, and exhibits 85.33% capacity retention after 200 cycles (5C). This work effectively addresses the simultaneous regulation of electronic conduction and structural stability in Nb‐based materials, providing a universal design approach for high‐power energy storage devices.

Silicon-carbon (Si/C) materials have been regarded as the next-generation anode material for lithium-ion batteries due to their high specific capacity. However, their practical application is hindered by rapid capacity fading caused by the significant volume expansion of Si. This work systematically investigates the influence of the crystalline structure of the Si phase on the electrochemical performance of Si/C anode materials. Using crystalline silicon-carbon (c-Si/C) and amorphous silicon-carbon (a-Si/C) as model systems, the study finds that the a-Si/C anode material with an isotropic amorphous structure possesses a higher lithium-ion diffusion coefficient and forms a more stable interfacial film, effectively suppressing electrolyte side reactions and active material loss. In contrast, c-Si/C suffers from inhomogeneous lithiation, stress concentration, and repeated solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) fracture due to its crystalline anisotropy. As a result, a-Si/C exhibits an outstanding capacity retention of 83.4% after 150 cycles at 2 A g(-1), and the electrode expansion rate of a-Si/C is only 37%, which is lower than the 51% observed for c-Si/C. This study clarifies the influence of the crystallinity of the silicon phase on capacity decay behavior, providing a theoretical basis for the rational design of high-performance Si/C anode materials.

Na4Fe3(PO4)2(P2O7), a promising polyanionic cathode material for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs), has garnered significant attention due to its robust structural framework and environmental benignity. However, its practical application is severely hindered by an intrinsically low operating voltage and sluggish Na+ diffusion kinetics, resulting in an energy density that is substantially inferior to that of layered oxides and Prussian blue analogues. To address these critical limitations, we propose a synergistic modification strategy involving Mn2+ substitution and Ta5+ doping. The incorporation of manganese, with its high redox potential, raises the working voltage. Concurrently, the introduction of high-valence Ta5+ modulates the local electronic configuration of the transition metals (Mn/Fe) via a charge-compensation mechanism, pinning them in lower oxidation states. This approach not only fortifies the crystal architecture by forming robust TM-O bonds within the TMO6 octahedra but also effectively mitigates the Jahn-Teller distortion associated with Mn3+ and suppresses manganese dissolution. Consequently, the Na4Fe2Mn0.9Ta0.04(PO4)2P2O7/C cathode exhibits a high operating voltage of 3.9 V, leading to the energy density of 152.21 Wh kg-1 at 0.1 C. Furthermore, it demonstrates long-term cyclability, retaining 85.35% of its initial capacity after 7000 cycles at 10 C. This study provides a feasible way to achieve high energy density sodium ion batteries.

The widespread realization of aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) is hampered by waterborne side reactions such as dendrite formation, corrosion, passivation, and hydrogen evolution. To counter these issues and achieve high Zn reversibility, we adopted a composite electrolyte additive strategy using Cl− and 3-mercapto-1-propanesulfonic acid sodium salt (MPS) to achieve strict regulation of Zn electroplating. The strategy induced a unique nano-unit electroplating mode through a complex interfacial network constructed by Cl−-Zn2+- and a solid electrolyte interface (SEI), enabling dense and uniform deposition morphology affording ultra-stable Zn cycling for over 430 h under harsh testing conditions (15 mA cm−2, 51.2% DOD). Notably, Cl– played a key role in the suppression of side reactions through interfacial stabilization and the reconstruction of hydrogen bonding and solvation structures. Combined with the protective adsorption and SEI layer at the interface, a high average Coulombic efficiency of 99.80% was achieved. As validation, a V2O5–x full cell exhibits a high capacity retention of 96.1% after 1600 stable cycles. Besides, the cells also have an impressive rate performance, with a 450 mAh g–1 capacity at 10 A g–1, benefiting from the enhanced ion conductivity and Zn2+ transport kinetics. This work delivers valuable design principles for engineering aqueous electrolytes in metal-ion batteries.

WNb12O33 with a ReO3 shear structure offers high lithium storage capacity but suffers from poor electron/ion transport. Hence, exploring an effective strategy aimed at enhancing intrinsic conductivity while maintaining a robust crystal framework is a significant challenge for advancing WNb12O33 as a promising anode. Here, a pseudo-Jahn-Teller effect-driven local structural distortion regulation strategy is demonstrated in WNb12O33 through quantifying Cu2+ occupancy at Nb sites in NbO6 octahedra. XRD results reveal the change in crystal structure symmetry. The DFT calculation confirms the alteration of the bandgap and Nb-O bond length, which not only exhibits enhanced electronic conductivity but also optimizes the adsorption behavior of Li+. Accordingly, the Cu2+-doped WNb12O33 offers a high reversible specific capacity of 272.6 mAh g-1, along with the Li+ diffusion coefficient promoted to 5.26 × 10-12 cm2 s-1. Moreover, it exhibits remarkable structural stability during the cycling process, featuring a reversible single-phase transition. As a result, Cu0.05WNb11.95O33 material provides high-rate capacity (147.2 mAh g-1 at 10 A g-1) and cycling performance (84.3% capacity retention at 5 A g-1 after 1000 cycles). This work provides a new perspective for the design and customization of shear structures and a basis for the rapid energy storage applications of WNb12O33.

Hydrogel electrolytes for zinc-ion batteries have garnered considerable attention owing to their favorable mechanical and electrochemical properties. However, the inevitable severe hydrogen evolution reaction and dendrite growth have hindered their further development. Herein, an organogel electrolyte comprised of a flameretardant organic electrolyte and a semi-interpenetrating polymer network (SIPN-OGPE) is proposed. By replacing water with the flame-retardant organic electrolyte, hydrogen evolution and corrosion reactions are significantly inhibited. Meanwhile, the semi-interpenetrating network constructed by crosslinked polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA) and polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) endows the electrolyte with exceptional mechanical properties, provides additional channels for Zn2+ transport, guides the uniform Zn deposition on the (002) crystal plane, and thus effectively inhibits the zinc dendrites growth. As a consequence, symmetric batteries equipped with the SIPN-OGPE exhibit stable cycle performance of over 3000 h at 1 mA cm(-2). In addition, the Coulombic efficiency reaches as high as 99.33 % after 1000 cycles, demonstrating its excellent reversibility for Zn stripping/plating. Moreover, Zn/NaV3O8 full batteries assembled with the SIPN-OGPE exhibit an ultrahigh capacity retention of 117.7 % over 1000 cycles. Therefore, this work provides a straightforward and robust strategy to engineer high-safety and long-life electrolytes for zinc-ion batteries.