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Zinc‐based batteries are emerging as the most promising candidates for large‐scale energy storage devices due to their low cost, high safety, and long‐term storage. However, zinc‐based batteries encounter challenges stemming from undesirable side reactions and zinc dendrites on the anode, as well as dissolution on the cathode. Owing to their extremely small size, substantial surface functional groups, and adjustable structure, carbon dots (CDs) present considerable benefits in augmenting coulombic efficiency, expanding cycle life, and enhancing the rate functionality of zinc‐based batteries. Herein, this review delves into the surface modification and morphological regulation of batteries elements by CDs, CDs composites, and CDs derivatives. Moreover, it systematically encapsulates the application of CDs in zinc‐based batteries, underscoring the pivotal role of CDs in the advancement of electrode technology. Finally, the review highlights the impediments and proposes potential avenues for utilizing CDs in zinc‐based batteries. This review aims to facilitate the development of superior solutions and provide scientific insights into energy storage technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The shortage and unevenness of fossil energy sources are affecting the development and progress of human civilization. The technology of efficiently converting material resources into energy for utilization and storage is attracting the attention of researchers. Environmentally friendly biomass materials are a treasure to drive the development of new‐generation energy sources. Electrochemical theory is used to efficiently convert the chemical energy of chemical substances into electrical energy. In recent years, significant progress has been made in the development of green and economical electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Although many reviews have been reported around the application of biomass‐derived catalytically active carbon (CAC) catalysts in ORR, these reviews have only selected a single/partial topic (including synthesis and preparation of catalysts from different sources, structural optimization, or performance enhancement methods based on CAC catalysts, and application of biomass‐derived CACs) for discussion. There is no review that systematically addresses the latest progress in the synthesis, performance enhancement, and applications related to biomass‐derived CAC‐based oxygen reduction electrocatalysts synchronously. This review fills the gap by providing a timely and comprehensive review and summary from the following sections: the exposition of the basic catalytic principles of ORR, the summary of the chemical composition and structural properties of various types of biomass, the analysis of traditional and the latest popular biomass‐derived CAC synthesis methods and optimization strategies, and the summary of the practical applications of biomass‐derived CAC‐based oxidative reduction electrocatalysts. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the latest advances to provide research directions and design ideas for the development of catalyst synthesis/optimization and contributes to the industrialization of biomass‐derived CAC electrocatalysis and electric energy storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Owing to their rich structural chemistry and unique electrochemical properties, vanadium-based materials, especially the low-dimensional ones, are showing promising applications in energy storage and conversion. In this invited review, low-dimensional vanadium-based materials (including 0D, 1D, and 2D nanostructures of vanadium-containing oxides, polyanions, and mixed-polyanions) and their emerging applications in advanced alkali-metal-ion batteries (e.g., Li-ion, Na-ion, and K-ion batteries) are systematically summarized. Future development trends, challenges, solutions, and perspectives are discussed and proposed. Mechanisms and new insights are also given for the development of advanced vanadium-based materials in high-performance energy storage and conversion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exploration of significantly active functional materials is highly valued for designing efficient electrochemical energy devices. 2D‐covalent organic frameworks (2D‐COF) have attracted significant interest in the context of important electrochemical applications due to their tunable structural and electronic properties, high thermal/chemical stability, and their carbon‐based motifs. The present review highlights the strategies and properties of modifying 2D‐COF electronically in detail and their prospects in electrochemical devices. The review clearly explains the electronic actuation methods of the COF skeletons by various synthetic and post‐synthetic strategies. The review crucially elucidates the importance of electroactive 2D‐COF as emerging functional materials in practical applications of electrochemical energy conversion devices. The review concludes by summarizing the effective strategies of 2D‐COF in improving electrocatalytic applications and suggests future research scope. The review orients the electroactive 2D‐COFs for critical analysis as advanced functional materials for a sustainable and reliable future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bismuth sulfide (Bi2S3) with micro/nanostructures as an important semiconductor material has attracted considerable attention due to its high ionic conductance, high photoelectric conversion efficiency, and large absorption coefficient, which is widely applied in the areas of photocatalysis, energy conversion, sensors, biomedicine, and pollutant disposal. Up to now, various strategies are reported for the morphology‐controlled synthesis of micro‐nanoscale Bi2S3 and Bi2S3‐based materials via manipulating the thermodynamics and kinetics in the chemical fabricating process. However, the Bi2S3 with designed shapes still remains to be developed to well adapt these diverse usages. To conclude, the designed preparation strategies, advanced applications, current challenges, and future expectations of Bi2S3 are discussed to provide some potential suggestions for further promotion of Bi2S3 functional materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ice-templated method (ITM) has drawn significant attention to the improvement of the electrochemical properties of various materials. The ITM approach is relatively straightforward and can produce hierarchically porous structures that exhibit superior performance in mass transfer, and the unique morphology has been shown to significantly enhance electrochemical performance, making it a promising method for energy storage and conversion applications. In this review, we aim to present an overview of the ITM and its applications in the electrochemical energy storage and conversion field. The fundamental principles underlying the ITM will be discussed, as well as the factors that influence the morphology and properties of the resulting structures. We will then proceed to comprehensively explore the applications of ITM in the fabrication of high-performance electrodes for supercapacitors, batteries, and fuel cells. We intend to find the key advances in the use of ITM and evaluate its potential to overcome the existing challenges in the development of efficient energy storage and conversion systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: Two-dimensional transition metal borides have high mechanical stability, high charge carrier mobility and great electrochemical performance. The potential applications of two-dimensional transition metal borides in the direction of energy conversion and storage have not been systematically reviewed. We summarize the research on the role of two-dimensional transition metal borides in catalysis and ion batteries, and put forward the new opportunities in preparation and biotechnology. As a flourishing member of the two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterial family, MXenes have shown great potential in various research areas. In recent years, the continued growth of interest in MXene derivatives, 2D transition metal borides (MBenes), has contributed to the emergence of this 2D material as a latecomer. Due to the excellent electrical conductivity, mechanical properties and electrical properties, thus MBenes attract more researchers' interest. Extensive experimental and theoretical studies have shown that they have exciting energy conversion and electrochemical storage potential. However, a comprehensive and systematic review of MBenes applications has not been available so far. For this reason, we present a comprehensive summary of recent advances in MBenes research. We started by summarizing the latest fabrication routes and excellent properties of MBenes. The focus will then turn to their exciting potential for energy storage and conversion. Finally, a brief summary of the challenges and opportunities for MBenes in future practical applications is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Transition metal carbide/nitride (MXene) is an emerging two‐dimensional (2D) material in the field of energy storage and conversion due to the unique 2D structure and high ionic conductivity property, which has been extensively focused. However, the MXenes family possesses tremendous species variety and element composition with more than 90% of unknown family members. The traditional experimental methods always focused on single species, which is time‐consuming and not systematic enough. Currently, machine learning, as an emerging computer technology, provided an advanced technique to boost the application of the MXene family comprehensively. In this review, we comprehensively summarize and comment on the latest application progress of machine learning in the development of MXene materials, focusing on the internal mechanism between machine learning and material development. Applications of MXene in the field of battery, supercapacitor, biological, and catalysis were fully reviewed. It can open up a new road map for the development of MXene materials in the new era. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Co 8 FeS 8 nanoparticles encapsulated in NCTs@C structure are prepared. • NCTs@C ensures even dispersion of Co 8 FeS 8 and fast transport of electron and ion. • Co 8 FeS 8 /NCTs@C exhibits excellent rate capability and cycling performance. In this study, composites with Co 8 FeS 8 nanoparticles encapsulated in N-doped carbon tubes/carbon structure (Co 8 FeS 8 /NCTs@C) were developed, wherein NCTs and C serve as supporting carrier and surface coating layer, respectively. The synergistic effect of NCTs and C effectively avoids aggregation of Co 8 FeS 8 nanoparticles, improves the conductivity and ensures the integrity of electrodes during cycling. Therefore, Co 8 FeS 8 /NCTs@C shows excellent performance as anode of Li-ion batteries. Their specific capacities at 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 A·g−1 are 1002, 871, 822, 760, 678 and 602 mAh·g−1, respectively. Moreover, the specific capacities are 1032 mAh·g−1 at 0.3 A·g−1 after 140 cycles and 878 mAh·g−1 at 1.0 A·g−1 after 300 cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Hollow V 0.95 Mo 0.97 O 5 Nanofibers are prepared by electrospinning and proper annealing. • The formation of tube-like morphology is revealed and affected by air oxidation temperature. • Hollow V 0.95 Mo 0.97 O 5 demonstrates superior lithium storage performance. We report the facile electrospinning fabrication of hollow V 0.95 Mo 0.97 O 5 nanofibers via controlling oxidization of the V/Mo/polymer precursor, whose structural evolution upon increasing the annealing temperature are revealed. When examined as anode of lithium-ion batteries, the hollow V 0.95 Mo 0.97 O 5 nanofibers display superior electrochemical properties with high cycle and rate capability, delivering high reversible capacities of 746.7/583.8 mAh/g at 500/1000 mA/g after 300 cycles, and a high-rate capacity of 614 mAh/g at 2000 mA/g. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• K 0.1 V 2 O 5 with abundant oxygen defects was synthesized. • The D Zn in K 0.1 V 2 O 5 are comparable with other cathodes materials. • K 0.1 V 2 O 5 with abundant oxygen defects shows good performance as cathode for ZIBs. Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) are anticipated to be used for grid-scale energy storage because of their low cost, abundant resources, high safety, and non-toxicity. In this study, K-ion modified V 2 O 5 with abundant oxygen defects (K 0.1 V 2 O 5) was prepared using a one-step hydrothermal reaction followed by heat treatment. K 0.1 V 2 O 5 showed remarkable specific capacity (307.9 mAhg−1 at 0.2 Ag−1), exceptional rate capability (184.3 mAhg−1 at 10 Ag−1), and good cycling stability (88.5 % capacity retention rate after 2000 cycles at 10 Ag−1). Furthermore, electrochemical kinetics revealed that the electrochemical process of the K 0.1 V 2 O 5 electrode is governed by both ion diffusion and capacitive contribution, with the diffusion coefficient of Zn2+ ranging between 10−11 and 10−9 cm2 s−1. The exceptional performance of K 0.1 V 2 O 5 makes it a promising candidate for cathode materials in zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efficient body heat harvesting with paper-based thermoelectric generator. [Display omitted] • Using paper as a flexible, lightweight, and biodegradable substrate for TEGs. • An easy, energy-efficient fabrication process suitable for large-scale production. • Maximum V oc and P max achieved were ∼42.60 mV and ∼10.65 nW at a Δ T of 30 °C. • Body attached PTG produces an output voltage of 11.95 mV and output power of 1.5 nW. • Effective low-grade heat harvesting from body, improving energy efficiency. The study presents the fabrication and characterization of paper-based thermoelectric generators (PTGs) using p -type Bi 0.5 Sb 1.5 Te 3 (BST) and n -type Bi 2 Te 2.7 Se 0.3 (BTS) thermoelectric (TE) materials, deposited via a novel cotton swab powder deposition technique. This method eliminates the need for complex equipment or high-temperature processes, reducing fabrication complexity and enabling large-scale production. The key advancements of this method are its simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and practical applicability, ensuring uniform coating and good material adherence to the paper substrate. The PTGs, consisting of five p - n pairs interconnected with various materials, were laminated for enhanced stability and humidity protection. Experimental measurements under temperature gradients(ΔT s) of 5–30 °C revealed an optimal configuration achieving an open-circuit voltage(V oc) of 42.60 mV, internal resistance(R int) of 42.50kΩ, short-circuit current(I sc) of 1.00µA, and maximum power output(P max) of 10.65nW for the carbon paste/copper sheet interconnected PTG at ΔT of 30 °C. The obtained normalized power density is 5.68nWcm-2K-1pair-1, which is one of the best among the reported Bi 2 Te 3 -based PTGs. A preliminary demonstration on an arm showed the PTG generating an 11.95 mV output voltage in hot weather conditions (ΔT ≈ 8 °C), effectively harnessing body heat for wearable electronics. This work highlights a simple, cost-effective, and scalable method for fabricating PTGs for sustainable energy harvesting in low-power wearable applications. Future efforts will focus on optimizing materials, fabrication techniques, and novel designs to enhance efficiency and scalability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A CMC/CPAM/SBR ternary composite binder is proposed for Si-based anode. • Multifunctional groups are designed for matching the surfaces of both Si and carbon. • Regional elasticity and integral rigidness are achieved for the volumetric effects. • The cyclability of a Si@C/graphite blended anode is improved. • The binder is effective in high-loading electrodes and full cells. Si/C blend anodes hold great promise in commercialized high-energy-density (HED) Li-ion batteries but suffer from volumetric effects and electrode integrity deterioration. This study reports a ternary composite binder consisting of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), cationic polyacrylamide (CPAM), and styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), which can significantly improve the cyclability of a Si@C/graphite blend anode. A high capacity retention of 92.9% after 100 cycles was achieved in a half cell. Moreover, the ternary binder proves suitable for a very high mass loading (4.9 mAh/g) electrode and is effective in a 2 Ah-level full cell, which delivers an excellent capacity retention of 80.6% after 500 cycles. The beneficial effects were ascribed to the multifunctional groups compatible with the surfaces of both Si and carbon, and the designed rigidness and elasticity which restricts and accommodates the volumetric effects of the Si/C blend anode simultaneously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MXene composed of transition metal carbides, nitrides, or carbonitrate, is the most ornamented and rapidly expanding two-dimensional (2D) material. Due to its exceptional qualities, including its adjustable band gap, high thermal conductivity, charger mediator, superior electrical conductivity, and environmental adaptability, MXene is now attracting the interest of researchers. MXene possesses a strongly hydrophilic surface, ion exchange capabilities, and durable surface functional groups. This study provides an overview of the synthesis, properties, and prospective applications of MXenes in energy, sensing and environment sectors. Firstly, this article provides a brief overview of the MAX phase (including its characteristics and recent advancements) and MXene. Then, we thoroughly investigated the different etching techniques used in the synthesis of MXene. Moreover, various properties of MXenes, such as structural, optical, mechanical, magnetic, and electronic characteristics have been investigated. In addition, the potential applications of MXenes in various dynamic fields such as supercapacitor, energy storage and conversion, water splitting, electrochemical sensors and waste water treatment has been explored symmetrically. This study also focuses on the current progresses and future prospective relating to MXene, which will surely assist the scientists who are doing work in areas of academia and material sciences. [Display omitted] • MXenes offer structural tailoring for various elements during synthesis or post synthesis. • Overview of the dynamic properties of MXene in a nutshell. • MXene-based nanocomposites for energy conversion, supercapacitors, sensors and environment were highlighted. • Perspectives on the future opportunities and challenges of MXene were provided [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Production of bifunctional N@WnAC from the waste walnut shells. • Waste valorization in energy storage and conversion. • Quasi-solid-state symmetrical supercapacitor fabrication with PVA/H 2 SO 4 gel electrolyte. • Fabricated device delivers a high energy density of 42.27 Whkg−1 at 0.5 Ag−1. • Utilization of N@WnAC as a counter electrode DSSC. • Fabricated DSSC delivers a promising overall solar-to-electrical conversion efficiency of 5.84%. This study addresses the imperative need for high-performance and sustainable energy storage and conversion technologies by leveraging the unique properties of nitrogen-doped porous carbon (N@WnAC) derived from the waste walnut shells (WnS). In the realm of supercapacitors, the N@WnAC demonstrates remarkable performance in a three-electrode system, showcasing a high specific capacitance value of 276.7 Fg−1 at 1 Ag−1, outstanding stability (96.6 %, 5000 charge–discharge cycles) and favourable rate capability (68.8 % at 10 Ag−1). Moreover, a quasi-solid-state symmetrical supercapacitor (N@WnAC//N@WnAC) is fabricated with PVA/H 2 SO 4 gel electrolyte, underscores outstanding performance by delivering high capacitance (126.2 Fg−1 at 0.5 Ag−1), promising rate capability (71.8 % at 5 Ag−1), favourable long-term stability (93.3 %, 5000 charge–discharge cycles), and faster charge–discharge kinetics compared to conventional counterparts. At the same time, N@WnAC//N@WnAC delivers a high energy density (42.27 Whkg−1 at 0.5 Ag−1) that was retained up to 23.96 Whkg−1 even at 5 Ag−1. Simultaneously, the study explores the potential of N@WnAC as a counter-electrode (CE) in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC). The obtained results underscore that unique nitrogen doping enhances the electrocatalytic activity, leading to improved electron transfer kinetics and overall cell performance. Moreover, the N@WnAC CE-based DSSC delivers a promising overall solar-to-electrical conversion efficiency of 5.84 %. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Te@N-doped hierarchical porous carbon nanofibers were designed for K+ storage. • This free-standing electrode exhibits high-rate capacity and excellent cyclability. • The decisive factors include physical confinement, Te-C bonding, and N doping. Tellurium@nitrogen-doped hierarchical porous carbon nanofibers (Te@N-doped HPCNFs) were fabricated by the electrospinning and high-temperature carbonization to obtain the N-doped HPCNFs host and the subsequent melt-diffusion process for Te loading. As a freestanding electrode for potassium-ion (K+) storage, Te@N-doped HPCNFs exhibit the capacities of 215.3 mAh/g after 650 cycles at 0.1 A/g and 127.2 mAh/g even at 2.0 A/g. Such an excellent cycling stability and high-rate performance can be attributed to small-molecule tellurium confined in N-doped HPCNFs through Te-C bonding and the introduction of nitrogen heteroatom which inhibit the volume change and dissolution of potassium polytellurides during repeated cycling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Cellulose nanofibril could simultaneously improve the thermal power and strength of ionic hydrogel. • The ionic thermoelectric (iTE) hydrogel possesses a high negative Seebeck coefficient of −20.1 mV·K−1. • Cellulose nanofibril was found to improve the tensile strength of the hydrogel to 260 kPa. Ionic hydrogels are emerging as promising candidates for ionic thermoelectric (iTE) due to their high thermopower and flexibility. In this work, we demonstrate that the ionic thermopower and strength of ionic poly(acrylamide) (PAM) hydrogel can be enhanced simultaneously by the introduction of cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs). The iTE hydrogel possesses a negative Seebeck coefficient of −20.1 mV·K−1 and a tensile strength of 260 kPa. Potential applications of the hydrogel are demonstrated for low-grade energy harvesting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Cost-effective, easily scalable synthesis of tantalum carbonitrides. • Superior HER performance (ƞ = 50 mV @ 1 mA/cm2) in a self-supported form than previously reported TaN and Ta 3 N 5. • Low onset potential attributed to graphitic Ta-C-S interface. We report the synthesis of TaC x N y overlay on tantalum foil utilizing for the first-time melamine (C 3 H 3 N 6) and thiourea (CH 4 N 2 S) as precursors to provide an ammonia-free access to carbonitride phases at 1000 °C. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman analysis confirmed the formation of TaC x N y , with additional Ta 2 CS 2 and g-C 3 N 4 phases observed in the synthesis performed using thiourea. EDX analysis at the cross section demonstrated sulphur incorporation at the interface, indicating Ta-C-S bonds, which was supported by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The resulting materials were evaluated as self-supported electrodes for electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). A low overpotential (50 mV at 1 mA/cm2) and stability of 6 h (at −15 mA/ cm2) was delivered in the catalyst synthesized from thiourea attributed to graphitic Ta-C-S moieties at the interface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Two PCMs (LiF-LiCl and LiF-Li 2 SO 4) with high latent heat are prepared. • The discharge performance of TABs is optimized by PCMs in 60 ℃ environment. • PCMs are effective to uniformize the temperature distribution of TABs. The discharge performance of thermally activated batteries (TABs) could be degraded in high-temperature environments, and the high surface temperatures of TABs would impact other nearby devices. Meanwhile, the thermal management of TABs with phase change materials (PCMs) was rarely investigated. Herein, two PCMs, LiF-LiCl (FC) and LiF-Li 2 SO 4 (FS), with melting latent heats of 778.7 J/g and 585.1 J/g, are initially produced. Subsequently, these two PCMs are assembled to the center and ends of the LiB/LiF-LiCl-LiBr/FeS 2 -CoS 2 -based TABs and compared to the TAB without PCM for discharge performance measurement, surface temperature testing, and thermal simulation in 60 °C environments. The results indicate that the discharge time and capacity of TABs are increased by 8.13 % and 8.65 % with FC and FS, the maximum surface temperature can be reduced by about 10 °C, and the temperature distributions of the external surface and inner stack are optimized. This study offers strategies for the thermal design and management of TABs in high-temperature environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Layered hexagonal SnS 2 was successfully prepared by a simple route. • High output TENGs based on SnS 2 /PDMS composites were synthesized. • The SnS 2 /PDMS-based TENGs showed a high power density of 2.03 mW cm−2. • The 4 cm2 TENGs can power 50 LEDs under the force of a human fist. The high-performance triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) were successfully fabricated by injecting layered SnS 2 into polydimethylsiloxane (SnS 2 /PDMS) as a triboelectric layer. The fabricated SnS 2 /PDMS-based TENGs exhibit an output voltage of 135 V and a high output power density of 2.03 mW cm−2, which is 3.6 and 11.3 times higher than PDMS-based TENGs (38 V and 0.18 mW cm−2), respectively. The 4 cm2 SnS 2 /PDMS-based TENGs are capable of illuminating 50 LEDs under the force of a human fist. Our results suggest that layered SnS 2 is an exceptional co-triboelectric layer material for high performance PDMS-based TENGs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Pd doped C 4 N electrocatalyst is firstly prepared. • The Pd-C 4 N has a narrow Δ E of 0.76 V in 0.1 M KOH. • The Pd-C 4 N is a potential candidate for bifunctional electrocatalyst. It is an important task for designing a facile bifunctional electrocatalyst that is applied to a zinc-air battery (ZAB). Herein, the 2D C 4 N is synthesized by hydrothermal method, and ultralow noble metal palladium (Pd) is doped into the C 4 N to form Pd-C 4 N. The Pd-C 4 N has a low Δ E of 0.76 V in 0.1 M KOH, which is a good candidate as the bifunctional electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in the ZABs. This work provides a design idea of modified carbon-based material for bifunctional electrocatalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Carbon dots (CDs) have potential applications in many fields. • The synthesis scheme, structure, and performance of CDs are closely related to their applications. • Thoroughly explore the structure performance relationship of CDs at the microstructural level. • The application and bottlenecks of CDs in environment, sensing, biology, energy conversion, and storage have been revealed. After carbon nanotubes, carbon nanosheets, and mesoporous carbon materials, carbon dots (CDs) have emerged. Due to theirs advantages such as easy synthesis, low cost, environmental friendliness, low toxicity, good stability, and good biocompatibility, CDs have shown enormous application potential in fields such as biological imaging, optoelectronics, anti-counterfeiting, sensing, energy conversion, and storage, and have received widespread attention worldwide, achieving significant research progress. This article provides a detailed overview of the development process of CDs over the past 10 years, with a focus on their synthesis schemes, structures-property relationships, as well as their important applications and technological prospects. A graphene based structural classification method was proposed, and the preparation plan and latest research progress were updated and summarized. Conduct in-depth research on synthesis strategies and structural characteristics, explore their structures-property relationships at the microstructural level, and analyze the fundamental reasons for their application in multiple fields. Through a comprehensive review of the latest research findings, the applications of CDs in the fields of environment, sensing, biology, energy conversion, and storage have been revealed. Revealed the current bottlenecks of CDs, such as fluorescence, stability, and absorbance. Finally, it also emphasizes effective ways to promote the development of next-generation CDs technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• 1. Cs-rich α phase Cs 1-x DMA x PbI 2 Br was synthesized for the first time. • 2. Cs 0.8 DMA 0.2 PbI 2 Br still maintain good thermal and ultraviolet stability. • 3. Compared with CsPbI 2 Br, the humidity stability of Cs 0.8 DMA 0.2 PbI 2 Br has been significantly improved. In this study, we successfully synthesized α-phase Cs 1-x DMA x PbI 2 Br(0 ≤ x ≤ 0.3) without impurity and conducted device performance research and stability testing on it. The champion photoelectric conversion efficiency of α phase Cs 0.8 DMA 0.2 PbI 2 Br in inverted perovskite solar cells is 8.24 %. Compared with pure CsPbI 2 Br without DMA+, humidity stability of α-Cs 0.8 DMA 0.2 PbI 2 Br has been improved and it also maintains thermal and ultraviolet stability. This strategy shows bright application prospect for improving the stability of CsPbI 2 Br perovskite solar cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Graphene oxide synthesis from used C-type batteries by electrochemical exfoliation. • Graphene oxide reduction using series of reduction methods. • Electrochemical analysis of reduced-GO (rGO) at each stage of reduction process. • rGO produced by water-based annealing has highest capacitance among rGO samples. • Capacitance is highest with maximum C-O functionalities and reduces as they decrease. Graphene oxide (GO) is reduced multiple times in sequence with different reduction techniques. Changes in capacitance of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) at each stage in multistep reduction process are evaluated as function of variations in oxygen functionalities. Physical and electrochemical properties of rGO samples are rigorously examined at each stage of reduction. rGO produced following microwave-reduction has the highest reduction effect as compared to other reduction steps. rGO produced after water-based reduction (rGO(W)) has the highest capacitance of 93.136F.g−1. Similarly, the C1s XPS spectra at each stage of reduction reveal that, the rGO(W) sample has the highest C-O contribution among all the rGO samples. It is also noticed that capacitance of rGO samples drops as the oxygen functionalities decrease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• P3 and P2-type Na 0.75 Mn 0.6875 Ni 0.1875 Al 0.125 O 2 phases synthesized by tuning the calcination temperature. • P3-phase exhibited an excellent specific capacity of 164 mAh/g at 0.1C. • Better cyclability and rate performance (87 mAh/g at 4C) for P2 phase. • A significantly larger increase in charge-transfer resistance in P3 phase upon cycling. A layered sodium-ion battery cathode N a 3 4 M n 11 16 N i 3 16 A l 2 16 O 2 (NMNA) prepared in P3 and P2 polytype structures by varying the calcination temperature is systematically investigated for its structural and electrochemical behavior. P3-phase prepared at 650 °C delivered a higher initial capacity of 164 mAh/g (∼148 mAh/g for P2-phase calcined at 850 °C) at 0.1C. In contrast, the P2-phase sample exhibited better rate performance (87 mAh/g vs. 70 mAh/g for P3-phase at 4C) and capacity retention of ∼47 % after 200 cycles (only ∼26 % for P2-phase). Electrochemical impedance measurements before and after cycling confirmed that the increase in charge transfer resistance is responsible for the poor rate performance of the P3 phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the rapid consumption of nonrenewable resources and the increasing demand for energy, finding stable and efficient renewable energy has become an effective way to solve energy problems. Efficient storage, conversion, and application of renewable energy have become increasingly essential. Phase change materials (PCMs) are effective carriers for thermal energy storage and conversion, which is one of the most practical media for improving energy efficiency. Improving the storage efficiency of PCMs and achieving multi-source driven storage conversion are effective methods to broaden the application of PCMs. MXene, as a series of excellent two-dimensional materials, owing rich chemical structures and outstanding physical properties, exhibit an extraordinary impact on energy storage and conversion. This study reviews the synthesis methods of MXenes and their composite PCMs (CPCMs), as well as the mechanism and application of multi-source storage conversion. Furthermore, the potential applications of MXene-based CPCMs in fields such as electronics, electromagnetic shielding, seawater desalination, and flame retardancy are studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ionic liquids (ILs) are one kind of molten salts, which have been widely used across multiple disciplines in science and engineering. The recent development makes ILs no longer just as the solvent, and more attention has been put to applications of their unique structure and functionalities. This raises the importance to explore advanced IL‐derived materials, which retain most of the characteristics of ILs and are endowed with new features, namely novel ILs. The novel ILs, including deep eutectic solvents (DESs), poly(ionic liquid)s (PILs), ionic liquid crystals (ILCs), and redox‐active ionic liquids (RAILs), have distinct advantages over traditional ILs, such as enhancing the reaction rate, selectivity, and productivity in various chemical reactions. Given the unique physical and chemical properties, electrochemical behavior, and self‐assembled structures, novel ILs have emerged as promising materials in various applications, specifically in energy storage and conversion. Herein, the intrinsic properties of novel ILs and their related self‐assembly behavior in advanced energy storage technology are focused. And the perspectives and challenges of novel ILs in the fields of energy storage and conversion are also proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Layered vanadium-based materials are considered to be great potential electrode materials for aqueous Zn-ion batteries (AZIBs). The improvement of the electrochemical properties of vanadium-based materials is a hot research topic but still a challenge. Herein, a composite of Zn-ion pre-intercalated V2O5·nH2O combined with reduced graphene oxide (ZnVOH/rGO) is synthesized by a facile hydrothermal method and it shows improved Zn-ion storage. ZnVOH/rGO delivers a capacity of 325 mAh·g−1 at 0.1 A·g−1, and this value can still reach 210 mAh·g−1 after 100 cycles. Additionally, it exhibits 196 mAh·g−1 and keeps 161 mAh·g−1 after 1200 cycles at 4 A·g−1. The achieved performances are much higher than that of ZnVOH and VOH. All results reveal that Zn2+ as "pillars" expands the interlayer distance of VOH and facilitates the fast kinetics, and rGO improves the electron flow. They both stabilize the structure and enhance efficient Zn2+ migration. All findings demonstrate ZnVOH/rGO's potential as a perspective cathode material for AZIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is a natural choice to realize the vision of wood‐inspired functional materials for energy engineering. Apart from being naturally abundant, renewable, and biodegradable, wood‐based devices possess hierarchically porous structures, mechanical integrity and flexibility, and tunable functionalities, holding the potential to significantly push the boundaries of efficient energy storage and conversion. Meanwhile, the hunting of batteries with superior energy/power output to redeem the ever‐growing energy demand has ignited a thick electrode conception, which is deemed as a burgeoning technic to maneuver the maximum active material loading at the device‐scale. As an integrated carbonaceous scaffold with hierarchical architecture and aligned channels, wood thick electrode ameliorates the ion/electron conductivities to strengthen the charge transfer kinetics. In this review, the rational design and unique prospects in the construction of wood thick electrodes that concerns over structural optimization and low‐tortuosity for integrated cell configuration are summarized. To trap the structure‐feature‐performance interplays, advanced wood thick electrode that opens an avenue in emerging energy chemistries such as supercapacitors, lithium‐ion/metal and post‐rechargeable batteries are also spotlighted with a standpoint on task‐tailored modification. Ultimately, the blueprint over ongoing challenges and upcoming opportunities for wood‐structured thick electrode is drawn to broaden their brand‐new energy talents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Mangosteen husk-derived porous carbon (MHPC) has foam-like morphology with high specific surface area. • MHPC and KOH gel-electrolyte are assembled in quasi solid-state supercapacitors with cost-effective and highly safety. • High specific capacitance and exceptional cyclability are achieved in coin-type supercapacitor. • Flexible supercapacitor maintains superior capacitive performance under arbitrary bending state. Exploiting advanced electrode materials and electrolytes are two fundamental approaches to enhance the electrochemical performances of supercapacitor. Herein, mangosteen husk-derived porous carbon (MHPC) and KOH gel-electrolyte are prepared and applied in quasi solid-state supercapacitor. In coin-type supercapacitor employing 6 M KOH gel-electrolyte, the MHPC electrode exhibits a high specific capacitance of 285 F g−1 at a current density of 0.2 A g−1, coupled with exceptional cyclability, retaining 88.9 % of its initial capacity after 10,000 cycles. Additionally, the elaborated MHPC electrode and 6 M KOH gel-electrolyte enabled the flexible device in maintaining superior capacitive properties under arbitrary bending angles. Our findings present an avenue in the development of cost-effective and highly safe energy storage devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compared with other materials, the stability and high specific capacity of MoS 2 -CNT are particularly outstanding. The hydroxylation of CNT was carried out to make the morphology of MoS 2 -CNT more homogeneous, and the two were bonded together by C-O-Mo chemical bonding. The capacity of MoS 2 -CNT was not much degraded and stabilized at 774 mAh g−1 after 200 cycles at a current density of 0.5 A g−1. [Display omitted] • Hydroxylation CNT provides growth sites for MoS 2. • MoS 2 is tightly bonded to CNT through C-O-Mo bonds. • MoS 2 -CNT has good cycling stability at 0.5 A g−1. • MoS 2 -CNT has a high specific capacity compared to MoS 2 /CNT. To mitigate the structural collapse of MoS 2 during charging and discharging, MoS 2 -CNT composites were fabricated as anodes for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Hydroxylation CNT was incorporated to provide growth sites for MoS 2 nanosheets, thereby enhancing their overall dispersion. This structure effectively improves the stability during cycling compared to MoS 2 /CNT, and to some extent improves the structural collapse of MoS 2. As a result, the initial discharge capacity of the MoS 2 -CNT anode was 1194 mAh g−1 and the sustained capacity was 774 mAh g−1 after 200 cycles at 0.5 A g−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• CuO BNWs were synthesized by oxidant-free, room temperature surface oxidation method. • CuO morphology evolves from particles to layered nanoflakes to bundles of nanowires. • CuO BNWs electrode shows excellent specific capacitance of 509 F/g at 1 A/g. • The all solid state device obtained high s p e c i f i c e n e r g y of 22.57Wh/kg at s p e c i f i c p o w e r of 1.29 kW/kg. • The all solid state device exhibits 83.2 % capacitive retention over 5000 GCD cycles. In the present work, copper oxide bundles of nanowires (CuO BNWs) were synthesized by room-temperature surface oxidation of an electroplated Cu layer in an alkaline bath. The time-dependent morphological evolution of CuO BNWs is systematically achieved by varying surface oxidation times. The CuO BNWs provide a high surface area (19.12 m2/g) and have shown excellent supercapacitive performance with a specific capacitance of 509 F/g at 1 A/g current density owing to fast electron transfer paths offered by BNWs. The all-solid-state hybrid supercapacitor device (SS//Cu//CuO-BNWs//KOH-PVA//rGO) demonstrates a specific capacitance of 77.3 F/g and energy density of 22.57 Wh/kg at a power density of 1.29 kW/kg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A novel Fe 0.5 Co 0.25 Ni 0.25 S 2 (FCN211) was rationally constructed. • Increasing the Fe content increased the anion redox capacity of FCN series materials. • The ion–electron dual-effect coating interface optimization strategy was proposed. • The cycle life of lithium-sulfur batteries was significantly improved. In lithium-sulfur batteries, carbon is commonly used as a host for sulfur in the cathode. However, carbon materials alone do not provide additional capacity and prevent the shuttle effect. This study aimed to create a novel material, Fe 0.5 Co 0.25 Ni 0.25 S 2 (FCN211), by adjusting the molar ratios of Fe, Co and Ni. Analysis revealed that while the morphology of FCN-type materials remained consistent, there were notable differences in element distribution at the nanoscale. The modified FCN211@S/GC-CLCS cathode demonstrated a specific capacity of almost 1500mAh/g at 1 mA cm−2. Even with a sulfur content of approximately 6 mg cm−2, it maintained a specific capacity of 611mAh/g after 400 cycles at 1.5 mA cm−2. This study shows that by increasing the content of Fe element and adopting ion–electron dual-effect coating interface optimization, the anion redox capacity of FCN material in lithium-sulfur batteries can be further utilized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exploring efficient functional materials for environmental remediation and energy storage and conversion is in the spotlight due to the overuse of traditional fossil fuels and the severe pollution of the environment. Metal-free carbon materials (MFCMs) with abundant sources, high electrical conductivity, surface functionalities and environmental compatibility represent promising candidates for environmental remediation, energy storage and conversion. Compared with conventional MFCMs, metal-organic framework (MOF)-derived MFCMs inherit the properties and advantages (tunable module, intrinsic diversity and interesting activities) of their parent materials, becoming the optimal multifunctional materials in recent years. Especially, zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8)-derived MFCMs with richer pore structures and stronger electron transfer capabilities have gained much attention. Previously, the synthesis and applications of ZIF-8-derived MFCMs were only slightly covered in some MOF-related reviews, and there is still a lack of targeted summaries and discussions for them. To this end, the present work starts with an introduction of strategies for designing ZIF-8-derived MFCMs from the perspective of different precursors followed by a discussion of significant advantages obtained from ZIF-8-derived MFCMs. Subsequently, based on density-functional theory (DFT), the structures and related reaction mechanisms of ZIF-8-derived MFCMs are discussed thoroughly in order to construct structure-activity relationships. On this basis, recent advances in their environmental and energy applications are outlined, then economic and technical feasibility analyses are conducted to lay the foundation for their commercialization. Finally, valuable insights are provided into the current challenges and future prospects of ZIF-8-derived MFCMs. [Display omitted] • Synthetic strategies and properties of ZIF-8-derived MFCMs are summarized. • ZIF-8-derived MFCMs for environmental and energy applications are summarized. • DFT method establishes structure-activity relationships for ZIF-8-derived MFCMs. • An economic and technical feasibility analysis of ZIF-8-derived MFCMs is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The coating layer of carbon was designed for a bare CuF 2 cathode. • The carbon layer inhibits side reactions between CuF 2 and LiF–LiCl–LiBr electrolyte. • CuF 2 @C delivers ultrahigh discharge specific capacity and actual discharge time. Conversion-type compounds as cathodes for thermal batteries have recently attracted considerable attention due to their excellent specific capacities. CuF 2 has been regarded as a promising candidate owing to its high theoretical discharge voltage (3.55 V, vs Li) and theoretical capacity (528 mAh·g−1). However, mass loss caused by side-reactions from CuF 2 cathode and molten salt electrolyte leads to severe degradation of the discharge capacity of single-cells in thermal batteries. As a proof-of-concept, in this work, carbon coated CuF 2 (CuF 2 @C) is employed as the cathode to fabricate thermal batteries, in which carbon serves as a protector to inhibit the mass loss of CuF 2 in molten salt electrolyte. As a result, CuF 2 @C demonstrates obviously improved electrochemical performance with a discharge specific capacity of 462.45 mAh·g−1 at the current density of 10 mA·cm−2, which is 82.67 % higher than that of the counterpart (bare CuF 2). This can be attributed to the reduced average polarization resistance of the single-cells in CuF 2 @C composites. This work provides a new route for developing high performance CuF 2 -based cathode material for thermal batteries and promoting its further practical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large lattice spacing vanadium-based compound (L-VO) was designed by the pillar between the V-O layers, in which the lattice spacing has increased from 1.15 nm (VO) to 1.64 nm (L-VO). Owing to the large lattice spacing, the L-VO cathode shows rapid Zn2+ diffusion kinetics, delivering high capacity of 399 mAh/g and stable cycle performance (retention rate of 95% after 2000 cycles). [Display omitted] • Large lattice spacing vanadium-based compound (L-VO) was designed for ZIBs. • L-VO cathode shows rapid Zn2+ diffusion kinetics due to the large lattice spacing. • L-VO cathode delivers superior electrochemical performance. Vanadium oxide (VO) cathode with large theoretical capacity has attracted much attention for aqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs). However, VO cathode suffers from poor zinc-ion (Zn2+) diffusion kinetics, hindering the development of ZIBs for practical application. Herein, large lattice spacing vanadium-based compound (L-VO) was designed by the pillar between the V-O layers, in which the lattice spacing has increased from 1.15 nm (VO) to 1.64 nm (L-VO). Owing to the large lattice spacing, the L-VO cathode shows rapid Zn2+ diffusion kinetics, delivering high capacity of 399 mAh/g and stable cycle performance (retention rate of 95 % after 2000 cycles). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A closed-loop recycling method was proposed for spent LiFePO 4 batteries. • Lithium-contained solution from spent graphite was used to directly regenerate spent LiFePO 4 through hydrothermal method. • The repaired LFP displays a capacity of 139 mAh g−1 and a capacity retention rate of 97.8% after 100 cycles at 0.5C. With the fast development of lithium-ion batteries, there will be a lot of spent lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries in the near future. The loss of lithium in LFP leads to the capacity attenuation, while the lost lithium is mainly trapped in spent graphite anode. Herein, we proposed a closed-loop recycling method for spent LFP batteries, which utilizes the lithium from spent graphite to directly regenerate spent LFP through hydrothermal method. Compared with spent LFP, the repaired LFP displays enhanced electrochemical performance. This strategy tightly integrates the recycling of cathode and anode, which simplifies the recovery process and decreases the recovery cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the world strives to achieve a sustainable future, the exploration of alternative and renewable raw materials for energy storage and energy conversion has gained significant attention. A growing trend on "Waste to Energy" approach has attained prominence. Accordingly, chicken eggshells, a residual from poultry industry, have emerged as a promising candidate due to their abundant availability, low cost, and unique physical and chemical properties. This review article presents an overview of recent advancements in utilizing eggshell waste for energy storage and energy conversion applications. It discusses the transformation of eggshells usage into functional materials, along with their performance in various energy-related applications. The potential of eggshell-based materials in improving energy efficiency and reducing environmental impact is highlighted, providing insights into the future prospects of this sustainable resource. [Display omitted] • Relevance to Sustainability: The review article addresses the global imperative of achieving a sustainable future, making it highly relevant to current environmental concerns. • Focus on Alternative Materials: The review explores the use of alternative and eco-friendly materials for energy storage and conversion. • Waste to Energy Trend: The "Waste to Energy" approach, which is gaining prominence worldwide, is at the core of this review paper, showcasing its relevance in addressing waste management and energy challenges simultaneously. • Diverse Energy Storage Applications: The review explores a wide range of energy storage applications, including capacitors, batteries, and other devices. • Promising Energy Conversion Applications: The paper discusses energy conversion applications such as fuel cells and hydrogen production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dielectric composites boost the family of energy storage and conversion materials as they can take full advantage of both the matrix and filler. This review aims at summarizing the recent progress in developing high‐performance polymer‐ and ceramic‐based dielectric composites, and emphases are placed on capacitive energy storage and harvesting, solid‐state cooling, temperature stability, electromechanical energy interconversion, and high‐power applications. Emerging fabrication techniques of dielectric composites such as 3D printing, electrospinning, and cold sintering are addressed, following by highlighted challenges and future research opportunities. The advantages and limitations of the typical theoretical calculation methods, such as finite‐element, phase‐field model, and machine learning methods, for designing high‐performance dielectric composites are discussed. This review is concluded by providing a brief perspective on the future development of composite dielectrics toward energy and electronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrochemical energy storage and conversion have been in a significant position for meeting the increasing demand for the development of the society. The design and preparation of high-performance functional semiconductor materials have played a critical role in the development of electrochemical energy storage and conversion. In this context, the nanostructures in functional semiconductor materials provide an alternative route by virtue of their unique and promising nanoscale. Controlling the geometrical parameters of nanostructures and thus forming expected nanomaterials is very important to the investigation and applications of functional semiconductor materials. In this review, we summarized the preparation and applications of the nanostructures for electrochemical energy storage and conversion. It demonstrates simple and controllable design methods for functional materials with ideal nanostructures. This mini review summarized the preparations and applications of excellent nanostructures based on the authors' previous works, focusing on the electrochemical energy storage and conversion. It mainly includes rod-/strip-shaped nanostructures, spherical nanostructures, flower-shaped nanostructures, core-shell nanostructures, and networked nanostructures, aiming to demonstrate the simple and controllable design methods for functional materials with excellent nanostructures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MnCo2O4/g-C3N4 composite material was synthesized by the hydrothermal method, compared with MnCo2O4 without g-C3N4, it has excellent electrochemical performance. The composite material can reach a specific capacitance of 350 Fg − 1 at 1 Ag − 1 . The capacity retention rate is 96% after 1000 cycles at the rate of 2 Ag − 1 . Experiments show that g-C3N4 can effectively disperse and improve the conductivity of urchin-like MnCo2O4, and the composite of sufficient g-C3N4 can give full play to the performance of urchin-like MnCo2O4, provide faster electronic transport channels, effectively improve the ion migration rate, and make urchin-like MnCo2O4 increase the rate performance under high charge and discharge rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emerging use of laser irradiation in synthesis smartly bridges "nanotechnology" and "light", and has attracted enormous attention as an efficient synthetic methodology for versatile nanomaterials toward electrochemical energy storage and conversion devices (ESCDs). In this review, recent contributions and progress regarding the laser‐induced nanomaterials for ESCDs are comprehensively summarized, with a special focus on their practical utilization in rechargeable batteries, supercapacitors and electrocatalysis. The laser‐induced synthesis strategies and corresponding mechanisms involved in nanoarchitecture generation/regulation, including pulsed laser deposition and laser irradiation in liquid, are also discussed in detail. With the in‐depth insights into the mechanisms and revolutionary advancements of laser irradiation technology, the comprehensive performances of ESCDs have been strikingly optimized. Finally, the existing challenges and future directions in this booming research field are outlined. This review will exert the significant guidance for future design and purposeful fabrication of advanced laser‐induced nanomaterials with appealing properties for advanced ESCDs and beyond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Electrochemical energy storage and conversion mechanisms are highly viable routes in the current scenario, and hence supercapacitor and electrolysis of water splitting have gained significant attention in recent times. Thus, transition metal nickel cobalt oxides are widely inspected as promising electrode materials for electrocatalysis and supercapacitors. However, the pure NiCo2O4 was highly hindered by its widespread uses due to low electronic conductivity and deficient active edges. This study is aimed to fabricate the NiCo/NiO/NiCo2O4 composite using a solvothermal process with different ratios of solvents. The inherent NiCo/NiO/NiCo2O4 composite holds plentiful active edges and improved electrical conductivity than the pure. Interestingly, the electrocatalytic results revealed that the NiCo/NiO/NiCo2O4 (NC) composite prepared by a solvent ratio of (double distilled water (DDW) to N, N‐Dimethylformamide (DMF)) 2:1 (NC1) displayed the small overpotentials of 144 and 142 mV to realize 10 mA cm−2 with the robust durability during a 24 hours hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) test in the acid and alkaline electrolyte, respectively. Moreover, the designed NC1 composite as a supercapacitor electrode exhibited considerable capacitance of 638 F g−1 at a current density of 1 A g−1. In comparison, the analog DDW to DMF ratio 1:1 (NC2) and 1:2 (NC3) structures showed 514 F g−1 and 415 F g−1, respectively. Further, a dual‐electrode device was fabricated using the NC1 composite and activated carbon, exhibited an energy density of 28.14 W h kg−1 at 414.45 W kg−1 power density with excellent device stability (89.4%) for 10 000 charge/discharge cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The performance of supercapacitor electrode materials was greatly affected by the specific surface area. The urchin-like NiCo2O4 was transformed into porous NiCo2O4 (AA-NiCo2O 4) using the acid–alkali treatment method. The specific surface area of AA-NiCo2O4 was 165.0660 m2/g, which was about three times larger than that of NiCo2O4. The specific capacitance of the AA-NiCo2O4 was enhanced significantly (1700 F/g at 1 A/g), and AA-NiCo2O4 possesses good rate capacitance (1277 F/g at 10 A/g). This is mainly attributed to the larger specific surface area, fast and convenient electron–ion transport and redox reaction. Therefore, AA-NiCo2O4 is a promising high-performance supercapacitor electrode material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among various energy storage and conversion materials, functionalized natural clays display significant potentials as electrodes, electrolytes, separators, and nanofillers in energy storage and conversion devices. Natural clays have porous structures, tunable specific surface areas, remarkable thermal and mechanical stabilities, abundant reserves, and cost‐effectiveness. In addition, natural clays deliver the advantages of high ionic conductivity and hydrophilicity, which are beneficial properties for solid‐state electrolytes. This review article provides an overview toward the recent advancements in natural clay‐based energy materials. First, it comprehensively summarizes the structure, classification, and chemical modification methods of natural clays to make them suitable in energy storage and conversion devices. Then, the particular attention is focused on the application of clays in the fields of lithium‐ion batteries, lithium–sulfur batteries, zinc‐ion batteries, chloride‐ion batteries, supercapacitors, solar cells, and fuel cells. Finally, the possible future research directions are provided for natural clays as energy materials. This review aims at facilitating the rapid developments of natural clay‐based energy materials through a fruitful discussion from inorganic and materials chemistry aspects, and also promotes the broad sphere of clay‐based materials for other utilization, such as effluent treatment, heavy metal removal, and environmental remediation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs)-based electrode materials have drawn wide interest in energy storage applications. Herein, a nickel-based metal–organic framework (Ni-MOF) has been synthesized by simple hydrothermal reaction with different reaction times. The hydrothermal reaction time has an impact on the energy storage performance of the synthesized material. Structural characterization confirms the layered structure and purity of the synthesized Ni-MOF. Significantly, improved energy storage performance was found for the Ni-MOF prepared under reaction time 30 h as compared to other reaction times. It exhibits the highest specific capacity of 1498.6 F/g at a current density of 1 A/g along with good rate of capability. This investigation provides useful approach to improve the capacitive performance of MOF-based electrode materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A microwave-assisted synthesis method is developed to prepare ultrathin two-dimensional CuTe nanoribbons. • The morphology formation of CuTe nanobbons is a kinetically controlled process. • CuTe nanoribbons show typical redox behaviors in electrochemical magnesium storage process. Rechargeable magnesium batteries (RMBs) have attracted great attention as the most promising next-generation energy storage devices, but is short of the capable cathode materials. Herein, CuTe nanoribbons are fabricated by microwave-assisted synthesis as the conversion-type cathode materials for RMBs. The formation of CuTe nanoribbons is a kinetically controlled process. CuTe nanoribbons show typical redox behaviors in electrochemical magnesium storage process with high initial and maximum capacities of 274.3 and 390.8 mAh g−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The capacities achieved 0.08 mAh/cm2 for thin-film electrolytic MnO 2 -Zn batteries. • Over 200 cycles were demonstrated for batteries with electrolyte of 25 µL/cm2. • The shuttle reactions caused by iodide mediators were revealed experimentally. Whilst electrolytic MnO 2 with a high capacity draws great attention recently, the shuttle reactions between the mediator additives in the electrolytes with zinc and MnO 2 are often overlooked. In this work, neutral acetate electrolytes with iodide mediator are tested for electrolytic MnO 2 -Zn system on thin-film batteries. With a limited amount of electrolyte, the shuttle reactions caused by iodide mediator becomes more obvious, which results in low Coulombic efficiencies and shortens shelf-life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Rutile Ti 0.95 Nb 0.95 O 4 /C composites were successfully prepared. • Ti 0.95 Nb 0.95 O 4 /C composites show superior performance as anode materials for LIBs. • Pseudocapacitance make a significant contribution to the total capacity. In this work, Ti 0.95 Nb 0.95 O 4 /C composites were developed through solvothermal method combined with subsequent calcination, and used as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries. Ti 0.95 Nb 0.95 O 4 /C composites from calcination at 900 ℃ deliver high reversible capacity of 585 mAh·g−1 at 0.1 A·g−1, superior rate capabilities of 263 and 232 mAh·g−1 at 3 and 4 A·g−1, respectively, and excellent cycling capability of 536 mAh·g−1 at 1.0 A·g−1 after 500 cycles. Furthermore, the results of cyclic voltammetry reveal that the pseudocapacitance makes a significant contribution to the total capacity. These results indicate Ti 0.95 Nb 0.95 O 4 /C composites are one of the most promising anode materials for lithium-ion batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]