Advancing Next‐Gen Energy Storage with Single‐Atom Materials

J Jianan Gu (Center for Renewable Energy and Storage Technologies (CREST) Physical Science and Engineering Division King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) Thuwal 23955–6900 Saudi Arabia) Y Yuanfu Ren (Center for Renewable Energy and Storage Technologies (CREST), Physical Science and Engineering Division) Z Zhi‐Peng Wu (Department of Chemistry State University of New York at Binghamton Binghamton NY 13902 USA) M Meicheng Li Z Zhiping Lai (Center of Excellence for Renewable Energy and Storage Technologies (CREST), Division of Physical Science and Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.) H Husam N. Alshareef (Center for Renewable Energy and Storage Technologies (CREST), Division of Physical Sciences and Engineering) H Huabin Zhang (Center of Excellence for Renewable Energy and Storage Technologies (CREST), Division of Physical Science and Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.)

Abstract

Abstract Single‐atom materials (SAMs) are a fascinating class of nanomaterials with exceptional catalytic properties, offering immense potential for energy storage and conversion. This work explores their advantages, challenges, and underlying mechanisms, providing valuable insights for rational design. By precisely controlling active sites, SAMs enable efficient charge and energy transfer, ultimately enhancing system performance. In applications such as metal‐ion batteries, supercapacitors, metal anodes, Li–S batteries, Na–S batteries, and metal–air batteries, SAMs effectively address key challenges, including volume change, dendrite formation, and capacity fading. Their unique electronic and structural properties also make them highly efficient electrocatalysts, demonstrating remarkable activity and selectivity in lithium polysulfide, oxygen reduction, and carbon dioxide reduction reactions. Finally, the challenges and future prospects of SAMs in the energy storage field are discussed. With ongoing research and development, SAMs are poised to revolutionize the field, serving as foundational elements in the transition to sustainable and clean energy.

Article Details

Volume / Issue Vol. 37, Issue 40
Published October 01, 2025
ISSN 0935-9648
Publisher Unknown Publisher

Journal Info

Advanced Materials

Unknown Publisher

ISSN: 0935-9648 Physical Sciences

Authors (7)

J

Jianan Gu

Center for Renewable Energy and Storage Technologies (CREST) Physical Science and Engineering Division King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) Thuwal 23955–6900 Saudi Arabia

Y

Yuanfu Ren

Center for Renewable Energy and Storage Technologies (CREST), Physical Science and Engineering Division

Z

Zhi‐Peng Wu

Department of Chemistry State University of New York at Binghamton Binghamton NY 13902 USA

M

Meicheng Li

Z

Zhiping Lai

Center of Excellence for Renewable Energy and Storage Technologies (CREST), Division of Physical Science and Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

H

Husam N. Alshareef

Center for Renewable Energy and Storage Technologies (CREST), Division of Physical Sciences and Engineering

H

Huabin Zhang

Center of Excellence for Renewable Energy and Storage Technologies (CREST), Division of Physical Science and Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.