Advancing supercapacitor system performance hinges on the innovation of novel electrode materials seamlessly integrated within distinct architectures. Herein, we introduce a direct approach for crafting nanorod arrays featuring crystalline/amorphous CuO/MnO_2−x. This reconfigured heterostructure results in an elevated content of electrochemically active MnO₂. The nanorod arrays serve as efficient capacitive anodes and are easily prepared via low-potential electrochemical activation. The resulting structure spontaneously forms a p–n heterojunction, developing a built-in electric field that dramatically facilitates the charge transport process. The intrinsic electric field, in conjunction with the crystalline/amorphous architecture, enables a large capacitance of 1.0 F·cm⁻² at 1.0 mA·cm⁻², an ultrahigh rate capability of approximately 85.4% at 15 mA·cm⁻², and stable cycling performance with 92.4% retention after 10,000 cycles. Theoretical calculations reveal that the presence of heterojunctions allows for the optimization of the electronic structure of this composite, leading to improved conductivity and optimized OH⁻ adsorption energy. This work provides new insights into the rational design of heterogeneous nanostructures, which hold great potential in energy storage applications.

Single-atom catalysts (SACs) reveal great potential for application in catalysis due to their fully exposed active sites. In general, single atoms (SAs) and the coordination substrates need to have strong interactions or charge transfer to ensure the atomic dispersion, which requires the selection of a suitable substrate to stabilize the target atoms. Recent studies have demonstrated that amorphous materials with abundant defects and coordinatively unsaturated sites can be used as substrates for more efficient capturing SAs, further enhancing the catalytic performance. In this review, we discuss recent research progress of SAs loaded on amorphous substrates for enhanced catalytic activity. Firstly, we summarize the commonly used amorphous substrates for stabilizing SAs. Subsequently, we present several advanced applications of amorphous SACs in the field of catalysis, including electrocatalysis and photocatalysis. And then, we also clarify the synergistic mechanism between SAs and amorphous substrate on catalytic process. Finally, we summarize the challenges with our personal views and provide a critical outlook on how amorphous SACs continue to evolve.

Photocatalytic methane conversion to high value-added chemicals under mild conditions acts as a promising approach to utilize natural gas and renewable energy. Specifically, aerobic photocatalytic methane conversion that uses molecular oxygen as oxidant has attracted much attention because it is thermodynamic favorable and could generate various reactive oxygen species, resulting in many value-added products like methanol, formaldehyde, ethane, and ethylene. In this review, we classify the aerobic photocatalytic methane conversion into aerobic photocatalytic partial oxidation of methane (APPOM) and aerobic photocatalytic coupling of methane (APCM). We particularly focus on the fundamentals of oxygen activation and methane reaction modes in these conversions. Finally, we provide a brief summary for current challenges and future prospects towards aerobic photocatalytic methane conversion.