Aqueous zinc ion batteries (ZIBs) are regarded as one of the most ideally suited candidates for large‐scale energy storage applications owning to their obvious advantages, that is, low cost, high safety, high ionic conductivity, abundant raw material resources, and eco‐friendliness. Much effort has been devoted to the exploration of cathode materials design, cathode storage mechanisms, anode protection as well as failure mechanisms, while inadequate attentions are paid on the performance enhancement through modifying the electrolyte salts and additives. Herein, to fulfill a comprehensive aqueous ZIBs research database, a range of recently published electrolyte salts and additives research is reviewed and discussed. Furthermore, the remaining challenges and future directions of electrolytes in aqueous ZIBs are also suggested, which can provide insights to push ZIBs’ commercialization.

The employment of single-atom catalysts in the catalytic transfer hydrogenation (CTH) of furfural (FF) to furfuryl alcohol (FAL) has never been effectively explored. Herein, a catalyst of Ni single-atoms supported on nitrogen doped carbon (Ni-SAs/NC) is synthesized and first ever utilized in the CTH of FF to FAL. Atomically dispersed Ni–N₄ sites change the electron density at the metal center and exhibit specific adsorption and desorption to FF and FAL, promoting an outstanding catalytic performance with a turnover frequency (TOF) of 832 h⁻¹ and selectivity as high as 97.1% at 130 °C for 2 h. Such performance is 9-fold higher than that of supported Ni nanocatalysts. The Ni-SAs/NC catalyst also exhibits superior stability for the CTH of FF and excellent catalytic activity for other α,β-unsaturated aldehydes. This work provides a new strategy of producing green chemical compounds using catalytic biomass conversion and suggests the future application of long-lasting single-atom catalysts for emerging sustainable technologies.

High-entropy materials (HEMs) constitute an innovative category of advanced materials distinguished by their distinctive atomic arrangements and remarkable multifunctional attributes. This thorough overview critically analyzes the core principles, synthesis methods, and novel applications of HEMs, emphasizing their transformative potentials in electromagnetic and biological fields. This study examines how the high configurational entropy effect, lattice distortion, and slow diffusion mechanisms facilitate the stabilization of single-phase systems including numerous primary elements. Recent advancements in HEM development have demonstrated exceptional skills in electromagnetic wave absorption, attaining reflection losses of up to − 35.10 dB via nano-domain designs and synergistic dielectric-magnetic loss mechanisms. Including rare-earth elements has substantially affected magnetic ordering and transition temperatures, with La-based compounds displaying spontaneous magnetization of approximately 15.2 emu/g. In biomedical applications, innovative HEM formulations have attained improved biocompatibility with a diminished Young’s modulus (69–140 GPa) and exceptional corrosion resistance. This review provides a detailed roadmap for researchers and engineers focused on the practical application of advanced materials, through a methodical analysis of current developments in energy storage, catalysis, electromagnetic shielding, and biological applications. We emphasize the significance of composition design and processing parameters in attaining customized features for specific technological applications while recognizing key difficulties and future research avenues in this swiftly advancing sector.