Anode materials for Li-ion batteries (LIBs) utilized in electric vehicles, portable electronics, and other devices are mainly graphite (Gr) and its derivatives. However, the limited energy density of Gr-based anodes promotes the exploration of alternative anode materials such as silicon (Si)-based materials because of their abundance in nature and low cost. Specifically, Si can store 10 times more energy than Gr and also has the potential to enhance the energy density of LIBs. Despite the many advantages of Si-based anodes, such as high theoretical capacity and low price, their widespread use is hindered by two major issues: charge-induced volume expansion and unreliable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) propagation. In this detailed review, we highlight the key issues, current advances, and prospects in the rational design of Si-based electrodes for practical applications. We first explain the fundamental electrochemistry of Si and the importance of Si-based anodes in LIBs. The excessive volume increase, relatively low charge efficiency, and inadequate areal capacity of Si-based anodes are discussed to identify the barriers in enhancing their performance in LIBs. Subsequently, the use of binders (e.g., linear polymer binders, branched polymer binders, cross-linked polymer binders, and conjugated conductive polymer binders), material-based anode composites (such as carbon and its derivatives, metal oxides, and MXenes), and liquid electrolyte construction techniques are highlighted to overcome the identified barriers. Further, tailoring Si-based materials and reshaping their surfaces and interfaces, including improving binders and electrolytes, are shown to be viable approaches to address their drawbacks, such as volume expansion, low charge efficiency, and poor areal capacity. Finally, we highlight that research and development on Si-based anodes are indispensable for their use in commercial applications. Keywords: Lithium-ion battery; Silicon-based anode; Volume expansion; Solid electrolyte interphase propagation; Binders; Composite anode materials.

Polyester plastics have become integral to modern life due to their favorable physicochemical properties, cost‐effectiveness, and broad industrial applicability. Unfortunately, the growing consumption and disposal of polyesters have led to mounting concerns regarding the corresponding carbon emissions and persistent pollution release, presenting a critical challenge for the construction of sustainable future. Conventional mechanical recycling is constrained by polymer downgrading with limited value retention. Alternatively, emerging green catalytic technologies present promising pathways for converting polyester wastes into high‐value chemical feedstocks with reduced energy input and environmental impact. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advances in the sustainable synthesis and management of polyester plastics, encompassing both petroleum‐derived and bio‐based polyesters. Emphasis is placed on green monomers synthesis and polymerization strategies, catalytic valorization and upcycling approaches that boost the feedstocks recovery and enable resource circularity. Collectively, these insights aim to guide the development of a low‐carbon, high‐efficiency, and sustainable circular economy for polyester plastics.

Following the remarkable success of graphene, graphene‐like 2D materials have garnered significant attention over the past decade due to their extraordinary physical and chemical properties. Despite the high demand for these materials in industry, developing facile, and cost‐effective methods for large‐scale production and functionalization under ambient conditions remains a challenge. As innovative green growth and modification strategies, electrochemical engineering techniques provide economic advantages in scalable manufacturing and surface manipulation. In this review, the established electrochemical techniques including intercalation‐exfoliation, deposition, etching, and topotactic transformation are summarized for producing a diverse range of emerging 2D materials and precisely tailoring their surface functional groups. Furthermore, numerous applications of these engineered 2D nanomaterials in energy and electronic fields, such as batteries, electrocatalysis, electronics, and optoelectronics are highlighted. Finally, it is concluded by outlining the remaining challenges and offering these perspectives on future research directions in this burgeoning field of advanced manufacturing.

P‐block metal‐based catalysts are an emerging, effective, and sustainable alternative to precious metal electrocatalysts for energy conversion. These p‐block‐based materials exhibit unique characteristics, such as oxophilicity, weak hydrogen adsorption, and flexible electronic tuning, which rival those of Pt‐group metals. Several morphologies (single‐atom catalysts, pure metals, alloys, compounds, and doped systems) have achieved remarkable catalytic efficiencies and selectivity utilizing p‐block metals. Recent advances have focused on tailoring the electronic band, surface morphology, and coordination environments, significantly enhancing catalytic stability and activity. Mechanistic studies highlight deviations from traditional d‐band scaling relationships, offering novel design strategies for reaction‐specific optimization. However, challenges remain. Achieving industrially relevant current densities, long‐term stability, and scalable synthesis remains troublesome. This review synthesizes recent progress in p‐block metal‐based electrocatalysts across various morphologies to identify performance and mechanistic trends for energy conversion applications (e.g., oxygen reduction, nitrate reduction, and carbon dioxide reduction reactions). Critical research directions are identified, and fundamental gaps in p‐block metal research are discussed. By establishing the core understanding, future research can focus on untapping the potential of p‐block metals for next‐generation electrocatalysts.