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Ceramic capacitors, known for their exceptional energy‐storage performance (ESP), are crucial components in high‐pulsed power systems. However, their ESP is significantly constrained by breakdown strength (Eb), which is influenced by interfacial polarization. This study delves into the physics, characterization, and application of interfacial polarization. The findings indicate that key factors affecting ESP, such as grain size, relaxor factor, and bandgap, are intrinsically linked to interfacial polarization, establishing it as the most critical determinant of ESP. To demonstrate the practical applications of interfacial polarization engineering, lead‐free ceramics of (1‐x)(0.94Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3‐0.06BaTiO3)‐xCa0.7Bi0.2(Sn0.5Ti0.5)O3 (abbreviated as (BNT‐BT)‐xCBST is designed, where x = 0, 0.1, 0.15, 0.2, and 0.25). The (BNT‐BT)‐0.25CBST sample, with a thickness of 120 µm, achieved an ultrahigh recoverable energy‐storage density (Wrec) of 12.2 J cm−3 and a high efficient (η) of 88.8%, along with excellent temperature/frequency stability and outstanding charge/discharge performance. The remarkable ESP is attributed to the suppression of interfacial polarization, which significantly enhances Eb. This work highlights the pivotal role of interfacial polarization engineering in the development of energy‐storage ceramics with superior comprehensive performance. In this work, we addressed the key issuses of physics, characterization, and application related to interfacial polarization, establishing which as the most critical determinant of dielectric ceramic energy‐storage performance (ESP). Superior ESP of an ultrahigh recoverable energy‐storage density of 12.2 J/cm3 and a high efficient of 88.8% were achieved in Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3 system by interfacial polarization engineering.

The extremely weak heterointerface construction of high‐entropy materials (HEM) hinders them being the electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorbers with ideal properties. To address this issue, this study proposes multiphase interfacial engineering and results in a multiphase‐induced interfacial polarization loss in multielement sulfides. Through the selection of atoms with diverse reaction activities, the multiphase interfacial components of CuS (1 0 5), Fe0.5Ni0.5S2 (2 1 0), and CuFe2S3 (2 0 0) are constructed to enhance the interfacial polarization loss in multielement Cu‐based sulfides. Compared with single‐phase high‐entropy Zn‐based sulfides (ZnFeCoNiCr‐S), the multiphase Cu‐based sulfides (CuFeCoNiCr‐S) possess optimized EMW absorption properties (effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) of 6.70 GHz at 2.00 mm) due to the existence of specific interface of CuS (1 0 5)/CuFe2S3 (2 0 0) with proper EM parameters. Furthermore, single‐phase ZnFeCoNiCr‐S into FeNi2S4 (3 1 1)/(Zn, Fe)S (1 1 1) heterointerface through 400 °C heat‐treated is decomposed. The EMW absorption properties are enhanced by strong interfacial polarization (EAB of 4.83 GHz at 1.45 mm). This work reveals the reasons for the limited EMW absorption properties of high‐entropy sulfides and proposes multiphase interface engineering to improve charge accumulation and polarization between specific interfaces, leading to the enhanced EMW absorption properties. This work shows that the weak electron exchange effect induced by high conformational entropy adversely affects microwave absorption. Constructing the heterointerfaces with significantly different work functions in multi‐element sulfides can effectively enhance the phase interface polarization and eliminate these negative effects. This is expected to serve as a new design guideline for microwave absorbers.

Electrocatalytic N₂ reduction reaction (NRR) into ammonia (NH₃), especially if driven by renewable energy, represents a potentially clean and sustainable strategy for replacing traditional Haber–Bosch process and dealing with climate change effect. However, electrocatalytic NRR process under ambient conditions often suffers from low Faradaic efficiency and high overpotential. Developing newly regulative methods for highly efficient NRR electrocatalysts is of great significance for NH₃ synthesis. Here, we propose an interfacial engineering strategy for designing a class of strongly coupled hybrid materials as highly active electrocatalysts for catalytic N₂ fixation. X-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy (XANES) spectra confirm the successful construction of strong bridging bonds (Co–N/S–C) at the interface between CoSₓ nanoparticles and NS-G (nitrogen- and sulfurdoped reduced graphene). These bridging bonds can accelerate the reaction kinetics by acting as an electron transport channel, enabling electrocatalytic NRR at a low overpotential. As expected, CoS₂/NS-G hybrids show superior NRR activity with a high NH₃ Faradaic efficiency of 25.9%at −0.05 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE). Moreover, this strategy is general and can be extended to a series of other strongly coupled metal sulfide hybrids. This work provides an approach to design advanced materials for ammonia production.

HighlightsThe interfacial engineering strategies of surface and electrolyte modifications for high-performance Zn metal anodes are reviewed.The reaction mechanisms for inhibiting dendrite growth and side reactions in interface engineering are systematically summarized.An outlook on future reference directions for new interface strategies to advance this field is provided.Due to their high safety and low cost, rechargeable aqueous Zn-ion batteries (RAZIBs) have been receiving increased attention and are expected to be the next generation of energy storage systems. However, metal Zn anodes exhibit a limited-service life and inferior reversibility owing to the issues of Zn dendrites and side reactions, which severely hinder the further development of RAZIBs. Researchers have attempted to design high-performance Zn anodes by interfacial engineering, including surface modification and the addition of electrolyte additives, to stabilize Zn anodes. The purpose is to achieve uniform Zn nucleation and flat Zn deposition by regulating the deposition behavior of Zn ions, which effectively improves the cycling stability of the Zn anode. This review comprehensively summarizes the reaction mechanisms of interfacial modification for inhibiting the growth of Zn dendrites and the occurrence of side reactions. In addition, the research progress of interfacial engineering strategies for RAZIBs is summarized and classified. Finally, prospects and suggestions are provided for the design of highly reversible Zn anodes.

HighlightsThe engineering design principles for enhancing interfacial contact between the electrodes (Li anodes and S cathode) and solid-state electrolytes in solid-state Li–S batteries are classified and discussed.Research progresses of experimental strategies for reducing interfacial impedance in solid-state Li–S batteries are summarized.Challenges and future perspectives of rational interfacial strategies in solid-state Li–S batteries are highlighted.The utilization of solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) presents a promising solution to the issues of safety concern and shuttle effect in Li–S batteries, which has garnered significant interest recently. However, the high interfacial impedances existing between the SSEs and the electrodes (both lithium anodes and sulfur cathodes) hinder the charge transfer and intensify the uneven deposition of lithium, which ultimately result in insufficient capacity utilization and poor cycling stability. Hence, the reduction of interfacial resistance between SSEs and electrodes is of paramount importance in the pursuit of efficacious solid-state batteries. In this review, we focus on the experimental strategies employed to enhance the interfacial contact between SSEs and electrodes, and summarize recent progresses of their applications in solid-state Li–S batteries. Moreover, the challenges and perspectives of rational interfacial design in practical solid-state Li–S batteries are outlined as well. We expect that this review will provide new insights into the further technique development and practical applications of solid-state lithium batteries.

Tin dioxide is regarded as an alternative anode material rather than graphite due to its high theoretical specific capacity. Modification with carbon is a typical strategy to mitigate the volume expansion effect of SnO 2 during the charge process. Strengthening the interface bonding is crucial for improving the electrochemical performance of SnO 2 /C composites. Here, SnO 2 -embedded reduced graphene oxide (rGO) composite with a low graphene content of approximately 5 wt.% was in situ synthesized via a cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB)-assisted hydrothermal method. The structural integrity of the SnO 2 /rGO composite is significantly improved by optimizing the Sn–O–C electronic structure with CTAB, resulting a reversible capacity of 598 mAh g −1 after 200 cycles at a current density of 1 A g −1 . CTAB-assisted synthesis enhances the rate performance and cyclic stability of tin dioxide/graphene composites, and boosts their application as the anode materials for the next-generation lithium-ion batteries.

HighlightsThe development of transition metal compounds-carbon hybrid electrodes for high energy/power supercapacitors is summarized.Effects of the conductive carbon skeleton, interfacial engineering, and electronic structure for transition metal compounds-carbon hybrid are discussed.Some perspectives and issues in the future are provided.Due to their rapid power delivery, fast charging, and long cycle life, supercapacitors have become an important energy storage technology recently. However, to meet the continuously increasing demands in the fields of portable electronics, transportation, and future robotic technologies, supercapacitors with higher energy densities without sacrificing high power densities and cycle stabilities are still challenged. Transition metal compounds (TMCs) possessing high theoretical capacitance are always used as electrode materials to improve the energy densities of supercapacitors. However, the power densities and cycle lives of such TMCs-based electrodes are still inferior due to their low intrinsic conductivity and large volume expansion during the charge/discharge process, which greatly impede their large-scale applications. Most recently, the ideal integrating of TMCs and conductive carbon skeletons is considered as an effective solution to solve the above challenges. Herein, we summarize the recent developments of TMCs/carbon hybrid electrodes which exhibit both high energy/power densities from the aspects of structural design strategies, including conductive carbon skeleton, interface engineering, and electronic structure. Furthermore, the remaining challenges and future perspectives are also highlighted so as to provide strategies for the high energy/power TMCs/carbon-based supercapacitors.

Electrocatalytic water splitting seems to be an efficient strategy to deal with increasingly serious environmental problems and energy crises but still suffers from the lack of stable and efficient electrocatalysts. Designing practical electrocatalysts by introducing defect engineering, such as hybrid structure, surface vacancies, functional modification, and structural distortions, is proven to be a dependable solution for fabricating electrocatalysts with high catalytic activities, robust stability, and good practicability. This review is an overview of some relevant reports about the effects of defect engineering on the electrocatalytic water splitting performance of electrocatalysts. In detail, the types of defects, the preparation and characterization methods, and catalytic performances of electrocatalysts are presented, emphasizing the effects of the introduced defects on the electronic structures of electrocatalysts and the optimization of the intermediates' adsorption energy throughout the review. Finally, the existing challenges and personal perspectives of possible strategies for enhancing the catalytic performances of electrocatalysts are proposed. An in‐depth understanding of the effects of defect engineering on the catalytic performance of electrocatalysts will light the way to design high‐efficiency electrocatalysts for water splitting and other possible applications. Designing practical electrocatalysts by introducing defect engineering is proven to be a dependable solution for fabricating electrocatalysts with high catalytic activities, robust stability, and good practicability. This review focuses on illustrating the effects of defect engineering on electrocatalysts for water electrolysis. The existing challenges and personal perspectives of possible strategies for enhancing the catalytic performances of electrocatalysts are proposed.

HighlightsThe hierarchical porous structure is regulated by various species of PVP to achieve impedance matching.Interfacial engineering boosts conductivity and constructs a multiband (C, X, Ku) tunable electromagnetic wave absorber.Hierarchical porous molybdenum selenide/epoxy coating exhibits marine anticorrosion capability.Electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorbing materials have an irreplaceable position in the field of military stealth as well as in the field of electromagnetic pollution control. And in order to cope with the complex electromagnetic environment, the design of multifunctional and multiband high efficiency EMW absorbers remains a tremendous challenge. In this work, we designed a three-dimensional porous structure via the salt melt synthesis strategy to optimize the impedance matching of the absorber. Also, through interfacial engineering, a molybdenum carbide transition layer was introduced between the molybdenum selenide nanoparticles and the three-dimensional porous carbon matrix to improve the absorption behavior of the absorber. The analysis indicates that the number and components of the heterogeneous interfaces have a significant impact on the EMW absorption performance of the absorber due to mechanisms such as interfacial polarization and conduction loss introduced by interfacial engineering. Wherein, the prepared MoSe2/MoC/PNC composites showed excellent EMW absorption performance in C, X, and Ku bands, especially exhibiting a reflection loss of − 59.09 dB and an effective absorption bandwidth of 6.96 GHz at 1.9 mm. The coordination between structure and components endows the absorber with strong absorption, broad bandwidth, thin thickness, and multi-frequency absorption characteristics. Remarkably, it can effectively reinforce the marine anticorrosion property of the epoxy resin coating on Q235 steel substrate. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the relationship between interfacial engineering and the performance of EMW absorbers, and provides a reference for the design of multifunctional, multiband EMW absorption materials.

Rechargeable all-solid-state sodium batteries (ASS-SBs), including all-solid-state sodium-ion batteries and all-solid-state sodium-metal batteries, are considered highly advanced electrochemical energy storage technologies. This is owing to their potentially high safety and energy density and the high abundance of sodium resources. However, these materials are limited by the properties of their solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) and various SSE/Na interfacial challenges. In recent years, extensive research has focused on understanding the interfacial behavior and strategies to overcome the challenges in developing ASS-SBs. In this prospective, the sodium-ion conduction mechanisms in different SSEs and the interfacial failure mechanisms of their corresponding batteries are comprehensively reviewed in terms of chemical/electrochemical stability, interfacial contacts, sodium dendrite growth, and thermal stability. Based on mechanistic analysis, representative interfacial engineering strategies for the interface between SSEs and Na anodes are summarized. Advanced techniques, including in situ/ex situ instrumental and electrochemical measurements and analysis for interface characterization, are also introduced. Furthermore, advanced computer-assisted methods, including artificial intelligence and machine learning (which can complement experimental systems), are discussed. The purpose of this review is to outline the solid-state electrolyte and electrolyte/anode interface challenges, and the potential research directions for overcoming these challenges. This would enable target-oriented research for the development of solid-state electrochemical energy storage devices. Graphical Abstract