The fabrication of conventional or biodegradable polymers with improved thermal and fire-resistant properties is an important task for their successful application in various branches of the industry. In this work, few-layered molybdenum disulfide was functionalized with 9,10-dihydro-9-oxa-10-phosphaphenanthrene-10-oxide and introduced into polyethylene and poly(lactic acid) matrixes. The obtained polyethylene composite samples displayed improved thermal stability, significant reduction in CO emissions, improved fire-resistant properties, and over 100% increases in thermal conductivity. Poly(lactic acid) composites displayed less impressive results, but have managed to improve some values, such as CO emissions, peak heat release rate, and total heat release in comparison to pristine polymer.

The electrochemical CO₂ reduction (ECO₂R) on copper (Cu) remains one of the most promising pathways to convert CO₂ into value-added products. However, it suffers from severe restructuring, resulting in the unknown structural identity of the ECO₂R active catalyst. Here, we show that dissolution–redeposition is the universal early-stage restructuring mechanism in ECO₂R, occurring across all the tested Cu morphologies, including foils, nanoparticles, oxide-derived films, and gas diffusion electrodes. Using identical location scanning electron microscopy, we directly visualize and confirm that this transformation begins before any significant faradaic current, reshaping catalyst morphology and complicating structure–activity interpretations. Our findings demonstrate that all the Cu catalysts act as precursors to their true, in situ-formed active phase, generated through the reduction of Cu oxides and electrolyte-driven dissolution-redeposition, resulting in self-reconstruction. Recognizing the universality of this transformation is essential for accurate mechanistic understanding and the rational design of future Cu-based ECO2R catalysts.

Understanding and controlling material transformations at the nano- and microscale is vital for advancing technologies that depend on materials with complex, multiscale architectures, such as those used in electrocatalysis, energy storage, and other functional nanomaterials. While conventional scanning electron microscopy (SEM) offers valuable structural information, it typically images random locations before and after treatment, making it difficult to discern true transformations from natural sample heterogeneity. Identical location SEM (IL-SEM) overcomes this limitation by enabling precise re-imaging of the same nanoscale region, thereby providing definitive evidence of structural evolution. When applied through a well-defined protocol, it offers unmatched access to morphology, microstructure, and local composition changes. Despite its simplicity and unique potential for visualizing dynamic material behavior, IL-SEM remains underutilized. Therefore, this article presents a comprehensive guide for the practical implementation of IL-SEM, outlining step-by-step procedures and key considerations to ensure reliable application. We highlight its methodological advantages, identify common challenges, and offer practical solutions. To illustrate IL-SEM’s potential, we showcase representative case studies focused on the dynamic restructuring of various electrocatalysts, including supported nanoparticles and bulk alloys. By providing an optimized workflow and actionable tips, this work positions IL-SEM as a powerful tool for uncovering transformation mechanisms and accelerating progress across materials research disciplines beyond electrocatalysis.