The young history of sputtering onto a liquid features great achievements in the green production of various metal and metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs) and nanoclusters (NCs). Studies on how the sputtering parameters affect the properties of NPs and NCs have elucidated their formation mechanism and marked a crucial role of liquid matrix in the nucleation and growth of particles, controlling their various properties. Current research has been devoted to making alloy bi- and trimetallic NPs with a high level of control over the NP structure, composition, and size via well-designed target systems, sputtering steps, and liquid matrix materials. In this minireview, we discuss the recent advances in the use of various types of targets to prepare different bi- and trimetallic NPs. In single target sputtering, systems with alternative configurations of metals, alloy targets, monometallic targets in sequence, and a combination of sputtering and chemical reactions have been developed. On the other hand, a double head system was introduced to widen the range of controllable sputtering parameters yielding more versatility in particle composition and fine structure. The synergistic and tuneable properties exhibited by the multi-metallic components in small NPs and NCs for their use in catalysis and optical applications are discussed. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

A new class of phase change materials based on encapsulated metal and alloy micro- and nano-particles with advanced thermophysical properties for cyclable and stable thermal energy storage/release is highlighted.

Due to their cost effectiveness, high safety, and eco-friendliness, zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) are receiving much attention nowadays. In the production of rechargeable ZIBs, the cathode plays an important role. Manganese oxide (MnO₂) is considered the most promising and widely investigated intercalation cathode material. Nonetheless, MnO₂ cathodes are subjected to challenging issues viz. limited capacity, low rate capability and poor cycling stability. It is seen that the MnO₂ heterostructure can enable long-term cycling stability in different types of energy devices. Herein, a versatile chemical method for the preparation of MnO₂ heterostructure on multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MNH-CNT) is reported. Besides, the synthesized MNH-CNT is composed of δ-MnO₂ and γ-MnO₂. A ZIB using the MNH-CNT cathode delivers a high initial discharge capacity of 236 mAh g⁻¹ at 400 mA g⁻¹, 108 mAh g⁻¹ at 1600 mA g⁻¹ and excellent cycling stability. A pseudocapacitive behavior investigation demonstrates fast zinc ion diffusion via a diffusion-controlled process with low capacitive contribution. Overall, the MNH-CNT cathode is seen to exhibit superior electrochemical performance. This work presents new opportunities for improving the discharge capacity and cycling stability of aqueous ZIBs.