Silicon (Si) has emerged as a leading candidate to replace traditional graphite anodes in the next generation of high-energy-density lithium-ion batteries, owing to its exceptionally high theoretical capacity, favorable working voltage, natural abundance, and environmental friendliness. However, substantial challenges, including poor electrical and ionic conductivity, considerable volume changes, and an unstable solid-electrolyte interphase, impede its commercial adoption. To overcome these barriers, various material optimization strategies have been developed for the synthesis of Si-based composites. This review meticulously details recent advancements and prospective studies on Si-based composites, highlighting progress in nanocomposite synthesis strategies, interface adjustments, and advanced prelithiation techniques aimed at enhancing the electrochemical performance of Si-based composite anodes. Special emphasis is placed on the Li–Si alloy storage mechanism, structural and chemical evolution at the Si anode/electrolyte interface, and precise prelithiation regulation. Finally, the practical application of Si-based anodes is discussed, providing feasible reference solutions for the development of high-performance Si-based anodes.

Photocatalytic membranes hold significant potential for promoting pollutant degradation and reducing membrane fouling in filtration systems. Although extensive research has been conducted on the independent design of photocatalysts or membrane materials to improve their catalytic and filtration performance, the complex structures and interface mechanisms, as well as insufficient light utilization, are still often overlooked, limiting the overall performance improvement of photocatalytic membranes. This work provides an overview of enhancement strategies involving restricted area effects, external fields, such as mechanical, magnetic, thermal, and electrical fields, as well as coupling techniques with advanced oxidation processes (e.g., O₃, Fenton, and persulfate oxidation) for dual enhancement of photocatalysts and membranes. In addition, the synthesis method of photocatalytic membranes and the influence of factors, such as light source type, frequency, and relative position on photocatalytic membrane performance were also studied. Finally, economic feasibility and pollutant removal performance were further evaluated to determine the promising enhancement strategies, paving the way for more efficient and scalable applications of photocatalytic membranes.

Metal–organic frameworks have emerged as promising electrode materials for metal-ion batteries due to their superior structural customizability. However, they face challenges such as poor reversibility and easy degradation during electrochemical redox processes. Here, we report the synthesis of π-d conjugated coordination polymers through NH₃-vapor-assisted self-polymerization of NiCl₂·6H₂O with 1,2,4,5-benzenetetramine tetrahydrochloride (namely, Ni-BTA). The synthesized Ni-BTA exhibits an open lattice structure that enhances the capacity for metal-ion diffusion, ensuring prolonged electrochemical cycling stability. Moreover, electrochemical characterizations reveal that Ni-BTA functions as a bifunctional material, serving as both cathode and anode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). After 1,000 cycles at 1.0 A g⁻¹, the cathode and anode show high discharge capacities of 199.7 and 338.4 mAh g⁻¹, respectively. Additionally, symmetrical all-organic batteries constructed with Ni-BTA exhibit a high specific capacity of 30.6 mAh g^–1 and an ultrastable coulombic efficiency of approximately ≈100% after 6,000 cycles at 1.0 A g⁻¹. Furthermore, Ni-BTA exhibits versatility as a robust cathode for aluminum ion batteries (AIBs), delivering a discharge capacity of 18.7 mAh g⁻¹ after 10,000 cycles at 1.0 A g⁻¹. These findings highlight the potential of Ni-BTA as a versatile and durable electrode materials for both LIBs and AIBs.

Given the increasing attention to the safety issues of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) and the continuous rise in the price of lithium and its compounds, it is urgent to explore innovative electrochemical energy device alternatives to LIBs. Major efforts have been devoted to developing rechargeable aluminum-ion batteries (AIBs), owing to their low cost and high energy density derived from the 3-electron redox reaction. Moreover, the dendrite-free plating behavior with room-temperature ionic liquid electrolytes endows AIBs with great safety expectations. A marked hurdle persists in the quest for appropriate cathode materials that can effectively accommodate aluminum ion species in AIBs. This review aims to deliver an integrated overview of the state-of-the-art cathode materials for nonaqueous and aqueous AIBs, with a special emphasis on their underlying electrochemical interaction with electrolytes. The strategies adopted to improve the specific capacity and cyclic performances of AIBs are highlighted. Furthermore, future perspectives of AIBs are discussed.