This tutorial review provides fundamental electrochemistry and presents state-of-the-art developments in ultrafast charging lithium-ion batteries by the rational design of materials.

A stable titanate nanobelt (TNB) particle suspension was prepared by a hydrogen-bond-driven assembly of pre-hydrolysed fluoroalkylsilane (FAS) on its surface. A one-step electrophoretic deposition was applied to fabricate a transparent cross-aligned superhydrophobic TNB/FAS film on a conducting glass substrate. By controlling the deposition time, we have shown the transition between a “sticky” hydrophobic state (high contact angle with strong adhesion) and a “sliding” superhydrophobic state (high contact angle with weak adhesion). The optical transmittance can reach as high as 80% throughout most of the visible light region of the spectrum. These coatings have also displayed high chemical stability and self-cleaning ability. Upon heating the hydrophobic coatings at 500 °C, the TNB coating transforms into a porous TiO₂(B) structure with superhydrophilic behavior and could be used for anti-fogging applications. With this TiO₂-based system, we have demonstrated three different wetting states: superhydrophobicity with weak adhesion, high hydrophobicity with strong adhesion, and superhydrophilicity with immediate water spreading. Moreover, this work has also demonstrated superhydrophobic TNB/FAS films with high chemical stability and good self-cleaning performance and superhydrophilic pore-like TiO₂(B) films with rapid water spreading and excellent anti-fogging ability.

The energy storage system (ESS) revolution has led to next-generation personal electronics, electric vehicles/hybrid electric vehicles, and stationary storage. With the rapid application of advanced ESSs, the uses of ESSs are becoming broader, not only in normal conditions, but also under extreme conditions (high/low-temperatures, high stretching/compression conditions, etc.), bringing new challenges in the energy storage field. To break the electrochemical constraints of ESSs under normal conditions, it is urgent to explore new approaches/concepts to address the critical challenges for ESSs working under extreme conditions via mechanistic understanding of new electrochemical reactions and phenomena in diverse scenarios. In this review, we first summarize the key scientific points (such as electrochemical thermodynamics and kinetics, and mechanical design) for electrochemical ESSs under extreme conditions, along with the scientific directions to maintain satisfactory performance. Then, we have covered the main obstacles to the utilization of existing ESSs under extreme conditions, and summarized the corresponding solutions to overcome them, as well as effective strategies to improve their electrochemical performance. Finally, we highlight existing critical barriers and the corresponding strategies needed for advancing ESSs under extreme conditions.