AbstractWith the advantages of high energy density, abundant resources and environmental friendliness, Aqueous Zinc‐ion Batteries (AZIBs) are considered as one of the promising new energy systems. However, its practical application is limited by the problems of irregular dendrite growth and interfacial side reaction in zinc anode. In view of the above problems, relevant researchers have given solutions such as the construction of artificial protective layer and the regulation of substrate structure. This paper summarizes the relevant literatures in order to help the future research of zinc‐ion batteries.

AbstractThe growing interest in forward osmosis (FO) for water reclamation and desalination over the past two decades stems from its potential for lower energy consumption. Despite its promise, FO faces significant challenges, such as the lack of an appropriate draw solute, concentration polarization, membrane fouling, and reverse solute flux (RSF). Recent trends in research have focused on combining various technologies with FO to address these challenges. Notably, the integration of electrochemical technologies with FO offers new possibilities. This review covers FO combined with electrochemical cells (FO‐ECs), categorizing them based on their working principles and applications in improving FO. The review discusses different FO‐EC configurations, including (1) electrodialysis‐combined FO for RSF, (2) electro‐FO for water flux enhancement, and (3) electrochemical oxidation‐combined FO and FO with electro‐conductive membranes for self‐cleaning and fouling mitigation. Additionally, it covers (4) reusable electro‐responsive draw solutes, (5) electrochemical osmosis systems for metal removal and energy production, and (6) osmotic microbial fuel cells for energy recovery and other benefits. The review also assesses the practical applicability and potential for achieving carbon neutrality of the FO‐ECs. It concludes with a forward‐looking perspective, outlining future research directions to optimize and expand the use of electrochemical‐enhanced FO technologies.

AbstractOperando studies using high‐energy X‐rays from synchrotron sources are essential for unraveling the complex material transformation that electrocatalysts undergo under operating conditions. This article explores key considerations to perform these experiments and the insights gained from such studies on nanostructured electrocatalysts. Critical factors include optimizing electrochemical performance while obtaining high‐quality X‐ray signals, which often require compromises. The electrochemical operando cell design is crucial, and several different cells are discussed here. Working electrode geometries parallel to the X‐ray beam, probed with a microfocused beam, are emerging as promising solutions for realistic electrochemical performance in operando cells. Careful attention must also be paid to the electrochemical measuring conditions, electrode loading, and beam damage to ensure reliable experiments. When carefully performed and by combining multiple characterization techniques, operando studies with high‐energy X‐rays offer the unique possibility to fully understand the structure of the active electrocatalyst.

AbstractElectricity generation and chemical production are both critical cornerstone for modern society. Integrating electricity output and high value chemical production in an electrochemical system is highly attractive both environmentally and sustainably. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in the development of these multifunctional devices (electrocatalytic flow batteries) that could generate both electricity and high value chemicals through rational coupling of half‐electrode reactions, covering the basic principles, device configurations, and applications. We also discuss the current challenges and suggest potential research directions.

AbstractDesign of active and stable electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) requires in‐depth understanding of the electrocatalyst properties and interfacial structural dynamics during OER. One of the essential insights for advanced electrocatalyst design is vivid understanding of the drivers and mechanisms of dissolution of electrocatalysts. In this work we analyze some important aspects of electrocatalyst dissolution during OER, to deepen and advance our understanding of activity‐stability relations and relevant stability descriptors.

AbstractThe review provides an overview of the latest innovations, trends, and challenges in the field of 3D‐printed metal and metal‐ion batteries. It focuses on the materials used in the printing of batteries, including electrodes, electrolytes, and other electroactive components. Compared to other high‐quality reviews on the topic, this review provides a broader selection of materials that are expected to gain attention in the next few years, such as redox‐active polymers and metal‐organic frameworks. This work gives an overview and insight into the latest trends in printing techniques as well as a statistical review of their uses and strengths. We have also gathered the latest works done for each of the material types, and we have taken the opportunity to put them in context and use them to exemplify in which direction is the field going. The review concludes with a critical view of the challenges ahead and a discussion of the direction that the field is taking as well as the external factors that might help to define its future.

AbstractThe global energy crisis highlights the need to transition from fossil fuels to sustainable, renewable sources of energy. Green hydrogen produced via renewable energy‐driven water electrolysis is an emerging alternative due to its zero emissions and high energy density. To address the high energy consumption of water electrolysis, innovative hybrid electrolyzers integrating nucleophile oxidation reactions (NOR) are under activity investigation, reducing energy demands and enabling valuable product synthesis and waste treatment, thereby enhancing the efficiency and economic viability of hydrogen production via electrocatalytic technologies. Recent advancements in layered hydroxide materials (LHMs) have markedly improved the efficiency of alkaline electrochemical conversion processes and are gaining prominence in NORs due to their expansive surface areas and tailorable characteristics through diverse engineering strategies. Further, their layered architecture is readily conducive to in‐situ characterization, using techniques like XAS, XRD, Raman, and IR spectroscopy, providing insights into their anodic NOR mechanisms. This review summarizes the latest developments in LHMs as electrocatalysts for NOR, discusses current design strategies of LHMs, and emphasizes the significance of operando characterization techniques in elucidating the reaction mechanisms of different LHMs. Finally, the future challenges and potential advancements in their scale‐up application in electrocatalytic NOR are put forward.