Prototypical Study of Double-Layered Cathodes for Aqueous Rechargeable Static Zn-I2 Batteries

Aqueous Rechargeable Zn-Iodine Batteries: Issues, Strategies and Perspectives

The static aqueous rechargeable Zn-Iodine batteries (ARZiBs) have been studied extensively because of their low-cost, high-safety, moderate voltage output, and other unique merits. Nonetheless, the poor electrical conductivity and thermodynamic instability of the iodine cathode, the complicated conversion mechanism, and the severe interfacial reactions at the Zn anode side induce their low operability and unsatisfactory cycling stability. This review first clarifies the typical configuration of ARZiBs with a focus on the energy storage mechanism and uncovers the issues of the ARZiBs from a fundamental point of view. After that, it categorizes the recent optimization strategies into cathode fabrication, electrolyte modulation, and separator/anode modification; and summarizes and highlights the achieved progress of these strategies in advanced ARZiBs. Given that the ARZiBs are still at an early stage, the future research outlook is provided, which hopefully may guide the rational design of advanced ARZiBs.

Highly Electrically Conductive Polyiodide Ionic Liquid Cathode for High-Capacity Dual-Plating Zinc-Iodine Batteries

Zinc-iodine batteries are one of the most intriguing types of batteries that offer high energy density and low toxicity. However, the low intrinsic conductivity of iodine, together with high polyiodide solubility in aqueous electrolytes limits the development of high-areal-capacity zinc-iodine batteries with high stability, especially at low current densities. Herein, we proposed a hydrophobic polyiodide ionic liquid as a zinc-ion battery cathode, which successfully activates the iodine redox process by offering 4 orders of magnitude higher intrinsic electrical conductivity and remarkably lower solubility that suppressed the polyiodide shuttle in a dual-plating zinc-iodine cell. By the molecular engineering of the chemical structure of the polyiodide ionic liquid, the electronic conductivity can reach 3.4 × 10-3 S cm-1 with a high Coulombic efficiency of 98.2%. The areal capacity of the zinc-iodine battery can achieve 5.04 mAh cm-2 and stably operate at 3.12 mAh cm-2 for over 990 h. Besides, a laser-scribing designed flexible dual-plating-type microbattery based on a polyiodide ionic liquid cathode also exhibits stable cycling in both a single cell and 4 × 4 integrated cell, which can operate with the polarity-switching model with high stability.

Advancements in aqueous zinc-iodine batteries: a review

Aqueous zinc-iodine batteries stand out as highly promising energy storage systems owing to the abundance of resources and non-combustible nature of water coupled with their high theoretical capacity. Nevertheless, the development of aqueous zinc-iodine batteries has been impeded by persistent challenges associated with iodine cathodes and Zn anodes. Key obstacles include the shuttle effect of polyiodine and the sluggish kinetics of cathodes, dendrite formation, the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), and the corrosion and passivation of anodes. Numerous strategies aimed at addressing these issues have been developed, including compositing with carbon materials, using additives, and surface modification. This review provides a recent update on various strategies and perspectives for the development of aqueous zinc-iodine batteries, with a particular emphasis on the regulation of I2 cathodes and Zn anodes, electrolyte formulation, and separator modification. Expanding upon current achievements, future initiatives for the development of aqueous zinc-iodine batteries are proposed, with the aim of advancing their commercial viability.

Facilitating the Electrochemical Oxidation of ZnS through Iodide Catalysis for Aqueous Zinc-Sulfur Batteries

Aqueous zinc-sulfur (Zn-S) batteries show great potential for unlocking high energy and safety aqueous batteries. Yet, the sluggish kinetic and poor redox reversibility of the sulfur conversion reaction in aqueous solution challenge the development of Zn-S batteries. Here, we fabricate a high-performance Zn-S battery using highly water-soluble ZnI2 as an effective catalyst. In situ experimental characterizations and theoretical calculations reveal that the strong interaction between I- and the ZnS nanoparticles (discharge product) leads to the atomic rearrangement of ZnS, weakening the Zn-S bonding, and thus facilitating the electrochemical oxidation reaction of ZnS to S. The aqueous Zn-S battery exhibited a high energy density of 742 Wh kg(sulfur) -1 at the power density of 210.8 W kg(sulfur) -1 and good cycling stability over 550 cycles. Our findings provide new insights about the iodide catalytic effect for cathode conversion reaction in Zn-S batteries, which is conducive to promoting the future development of high-performance aqueous batteries.

Precipitated Iodine Cathode Enabled by Trifluoromethanesulfonate Oxidation for Cathode/Electrolyte Mutualistic Aqueous Zn-I Batteries

Aqueous Zn-I batteries hold great potential for high-safety and sustainable energy storage. However, the iodide shuttling effect and the hydrogen evolution reaction that occur in the aqueous electrolyte remain the main obstacles for their further development. Herein, the design of a cathode/electrolyte mutualistic aqueous (CEMA) Zn-I battery based on the inherent oxidation ability of aqueous trifluoromethanesulfonate ((OTf)- ) electrolyte toward triiodide species is presented. This results in the formation of iodine sediment particles assembled by fine iodine nanocrystals (≈10 nm). An iodine host cathode with high areal iodine loading is realized via a spontaneous absorption process that enriched redox-active iodine and iodide species from aqueous electrolyte onto nanoporous carbon based current collector. By tuning iodide redox process and suppressing competitive hydrogen evolution reaction, the assembled CEMA Zn-I batteries demonstrate a remarkable capacity retention of 76.9% over 1000 cycles at 0.5 mA cm-2 . Moreover, they exhibit a notable rate capability, with a capacity retention of 74.6% when the current density is increased from 0.5 to 5.0 mA cm-2 . This study demonstrates the feasibility of using the oxidation effect to repel redox-active species from the electrolyte to the cathode, paving a new avenue for high-performance aqueous Zn-I batteries.

Rechargeable Aqueous Zinc-Halogen Batteries: Fundamental Mechanisms, Research Issues, and Future Perspectives

Aqueous zinc-halogen batteries (AZHBs) have emerged as promising candidates for energy storage applications due to their high security features and low cost. However, several challenges including natural subliming, sluggish reaction kinetics, and shuttle effect of halogens, as well as dendrite growth of the zinc (Zn) anode, have hindered their large-scale commercialization. In this review, first the fundamental mechanisms and scientific issues associated with AZHBs are summarized. Then the research issues and progresses related to the cathode, separator, anode, and electrolyte are discussed. Additionally, emerging research opportunities in this field is explored. Finally, ideas and prospects for the future development of AZHBs are presented. The objective of this review is to stimulate further exploration, foster the advancement of AZHBs, and contribute to the diversified development of electrochemical energy storage.

Advances in Aqueous Zinc Ion Batteries based on Conversion Mechanism: Challenges, Strategies, and Prospects

Recently, aqueous zinc-ion batteries with conversion mechanisms have received wide attention in energy storage systems on account of excellent specific capacity, high power density, and energy density. Unfortunately, some characteristics of cathode material, zinc anode, and electrolyte still limit the development of aqueous zinc-ion batteries possessing conversion mechanism. Consequently, this paper provides a detailed summary of the development for numerous aqueous zinc-based batteries: zinc-sulfur (Zn-S) batteries, zinc-selenium (Zn-Se) batteries, zinc-tellurium (Zn-Te) batteries, zinc-iodine (Zn-I2 ) batteries, and zinc-bromine (Zn-Br2 ) batteries. Meanwhile, the reaction conversion mechanism of zinc-based batteries with conversion mechanism and the research progress in the investigation of composite cathode, zinc anode materials, and selection of electrolytes are systematically introduced. Finally, this review comprehensively describes the prospects and outlook of aqueous zinc-ion batteries with conversion mechanism, aiming to promote the rapid development of aqueous zinc-based batteries.

Ni Single-Atom Bual Catalytic Electrodes for Long Life and High Energy Efficiency Zinc-Iodine Batteries

Zinc-iodine batteries (Zn-I2) are extremely attractive as the safe and cost-effective scalable energy storage system in the stationary applications. However, the inefficient redox kinetics and "shuttling effect" of iodine species result in unsatisfactory energy efficiency and short cycle life, hindering their commercialization. In this work, Ni single atoms highly dispersed on carbon fibers is designed and synthesized as iodine anchoring sites and dual catalysts for Zn-I2 batteries, and successfully inhibit the iodine species shuttling and boost dual reaction kinetics. Theoretical calculations indicate that the reinforced d-p orbital hybridization and charge interaction between Ni single-atoms and iodine species effectively enhance the confinement of iodine species. Ni single-atoms also accelerate the iodine conversion reactions with tailored bonding structure of I─I bonds and reduced energy barrier for the dual conversion of iodine species. Consequently, the high-rate performance (180 mAh g-1 at 3 A g-1 ), cycling stability (capacity retention of 74% after 5900 cycles) and high energy efficiency (90% at 3 A g-1 ) are achieved. The work provides an effective strategy for the development of iodine hosts with high catalytic activity for Zn-I2 batteries.

Vanadium-Based Cathodic Materials of Aqueous Zn-Ion Battery for Superior-Performance with Prolonged-Life Cycle

Aqueous Zn-ion battery systems (AZIBs) have emerged as the most dependable solution, as demonstrated by successful systematic growth over the past few years. Cost effectivity, high performance and power density with prolonged life cycle are some major reason of the recent progress in AZIBs. Development of vanadium-based cathodic materials for AZIBs has appeared widely. This review contains a brief display of the basic facts and history of AZIBs. An insight section on zinc storage mechanism ramifications is given. A detailed discussion is conducted on features of high-performance and long life-time cathodes. Such features include design, modifications, electrochemical and cyclic performance, along with stability and zinc storage pathway of vanadium based cathodes from 2018 to 2022. Finally, this review outlines obstacles and opportunities with encouragement for gathering a strong conviction for future advancement in vanadium-based cathodes for AZIBs.

Zinc-dual-halide complexes suppressing polyhalide formation for rechargeable aqueous zinc-halogen batteries

Aqueous zinc-halogen batteries suffer from poor coulombic efficiency and short cycle life owing to the formation and dissolution of polyhalides in electrolytes. Herein, we apply a zinc-dual-halide complex strategy to confine free halides and suppress polyhalide formation. The high stabilities of zinc-dual-halide complexes are identified to be essential for effective confinement. The resulting Zn-Br2 and Zn-I2 cells deliver excellent rate capability and cycling stability, as well as high coulombic efficiency and energy efficiency.

Decoupling Electrochromism and Energy Storage for Flexible Quasi-Solid-State Aqueous Electrochromic Batteries with High Energy Density

Currently, reported aqueous electrochromic batteries (ECBs) show only limited capacity with insufficient energy density and power density. Such a limitation is naturally imposed by the rationale that the cathode of ECBs stores charge by an ion intercalation/deintercalation mechanism, where the inherent inhibition of ion diffusion and structural collapse of cathode materials through repetitive charge/discharge cycles lead to low areal capacity and unsatisfactory electrochemical performance with short lifetime. Herein, we decouple the dual functions of electrochromism and energy storage in conventional cathodes of ECBs by introducing a polyaniline/triiodide composite cathode that is in situ formed by direct electrolysis of an iodide-based quasi-solid-state aqueous electrolyte during charging. When paired with a zinc metal anode, the composite cathode can synergistically utilize the electrochromic property of polyaniline, the high-efficiency energy storage of the Zn-I2 system, as well as the effective anchorage of polyiodide by polyaniline to suppress the shuttle effect of triiodide. By selecting 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium ion (BMI+) as the cation, a liquid-solid cathode/quasi-solid-state electrolyte interface can be achieved to facilitate the interfacial charge transfer, rendering quasi-solid-state aqueous electrochromic batteries with a high areal capacity of 1363 μAh cm-2, energy density of 1650 μWh cm-2, and power density of 5186 μW cm-2.

Low-cost and Non-flammable Eutectic Electrolytes for Advanced Zn-I2 Batteries

As a burgeoning electrolyte system, eutectic electrolytes based on ZnCl2 /Zn(CF3 SO3 )2 /Zn(TFSI)2 have been widely proposed in advanced Zn-I2 batteries; however, safety and cost concerns significantly limit their applications. Here, we report new-type ZnSO4 -based eutectic electrolytes that are both safe and cost-effective. Their universality is evident in various solvents of polyhydric alcohols, in which multiple -OH groups not only involve in Zn2+ solvation but also interact with water, resulting in the high stability of electrolytes. Taking propylene glycol-based hydrated eutectic electrolyte as an example, it features significant advantages in non-flammability and low price that is <1/200 cost of Zn(CF3 SO3 )2 /Zn(TFSI)2 -based eutectic electrolytes. Moreover, its effectiveness in confining the shuttle effects of I2 cathode and side reactions of Zn anodes is evidenced, resulting in Zn-I2 cells with high reversibility at 1 C and 91.4 % capacity remaining under 20 C. After scaling up to the pouch cell with a record mass loading of 33.3 mg cm-2 , super-high-capacity retention of 96.7 % is achieved after 500 cycles, which exceeds other aqueous counterparts. This work significantly broadens the eutectic electrolyte family for advanced Zn battery design.

Electrode Materials for Enhancing the Performance and Cycling Stability of Zinc Iodide Flow Batteries at High Current Densities

Aqueous redox flow battery systems that use a zinc negative electrode have a relatively high energy density. However, high current densities can lead to zinc dendrite growth and electrode polarization, which limit the battery's high power density and cyclability. In this study, a perforated copper foil with a high electrical conductivity was used on the negative side, combined with an electrocatalyst on the positive electrode in a zinc iodide flow battery. A significant improvement in the energy efficiency (ca. 10% vs using graphite felt on both sides) and cycling stability at a high current density of 40 mA cm^-2 was observed. A long cycling stability with a high areal capacity of 222 mA h cm^-2 is obtained in this study, which is the highest reported areal capacity for zinc-iodide aqueous flow batteries operating at high current density, in comparison to previous studies. Additionally, the use of a perforated copper foil anode in combination with a novel flow mode was discovered to achieve consistent cycling at exceedingly high current densities of >100 mA cm^-2. In situ and ex situ characterization techniques, including in situ atomic force microscopy coupled with in situ optical microscopy and X-ray diffraction, are applied to clarify the relationship between zinc deposition morphology on the perforated copper foil and battery performance in two different flow field conditions. With a portion of the flow going through the perforations, a significantly more uniform and compact zinc deposition was observed compared to the case where all of the flow passed over the surface of the electrode. Results from modeling and simulation support the conclusion that the flow of a fraction of electrolyte through the electrode enhances mass transport, enabling a more compact deposit.

Revitalizing zinc-ion batteries with advanced zinc anode design

Rechargeable aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) have attracted significant attention in large-scale energy storage systems due to their unique merits, such as intrinsic safety, low cost, and relatively high theoretical energy density. However, the dilemma of the uncontrollable Zn dendrites, severe hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), and side reactions that occur on the Zn anodes have hindered their commercialization. Herein, a state-of-the-art review of the rational design of highly reversible Zn anodes for high-performance AZIBs is provided. Firstly, the fundamental understanding of Zn deposition, with regard to the nucleation, electro-crystallization, and growth of the Zn nucleus is systematically clarified. Subsequently, a comprehensive survey of the critical factors influencing Zn plating together with the current main challenges is presented. Accordingly, the rational strategies emphasizing structural design, interface engineering, and electrolyte optimization have been summarized and analyzed in detail. Finally, future perspectives on the remaining challenges are recommended, and this review is expected to shed light on the future development of stable Zn anodes toward high-performance AZIBs.

Halogenated Zn2+ Solvation Structure for Reversible Zn Metal Batteries

Rechargeable aqueous Zn metal batteries have become promising candidates for large-scale electrochemical energy storage owing to their high safety and affordable low cost. However, Zn metal anode suffers from dendritic growth and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), deteriorating the electrochemical performance. Here, we demonstrate that these challenges can be conquered by introducing a halogen ion into the Zn²⁺ solvation structure. By designing an electrolyte composed of zinc acetate and ammonium halide, the electron-donating anion I^- can coordinate with Zn²⁺ and transform the traditional Zn(H₂O)₆²⁺ to ZnI(H₂O)₅⁺, in which I^- could transfer electrons into H₂O and thus suppress HER. The dynamic electrostatic shielding layer formed by concomitant NH₄⁺ can restrict the dendritic growth. As a result, the halogenated electrolyte achieves a high initial coulombic efficiency (CE) of 99.3% in the Zn plating/stripping process and remains at an average of ∼99.8% with uniform Zn deposition. Moreover, Zn-I batteries are constructed by using dissociative I^- as the cathode and carbon felt-polyaniline as the conductive and adsorptive layer, exhibiting an average CE of 98.6% without capacity decay after 300 cycles. This work provides insights into the halogenated Zn²⁺ solvation structure and offers a general electrolyte design strategy for achieving a highly reversible Zn metal anode and batteries.

Porous Polymer Cubosomes with Ordered Single Primitive Bicontinuous Architecture and Their Sodium-Iodine Batteries

Bicontinuous porous materials, which possess 3D interconnected pore channels facilitating a smooth mass transport, have attracted much interest in the fields of energy and catalysis. However, their synthesis remains very challenging. We report a general approach, using polymer cubosomes as the template, for the controllable synthesis of bicontinuous porous polymers with an ordered single primitive (SP) cubic structure, including polypyrrole (SP-PPy), poly-m-phenylenediamine (SP-PmPD), and polydopamine (SP-PDA). Specifically, the resultant SP-PPy had a unit cell parameter of 99 nm, pore diameter of 45 nm, and specific surface area of approximately 60 m²·g^-1. As a proof of concept, the I₂-adsorbed SP-PPy was employed as the cathode materials of newly emerged Na-I₂ batteries, which delivered a record-high specific capacity (235 mA·h·g^-1 at 0.5 C), excellent rate capability, and cycling stability (with a low capacity decay of 0.12% per cycle within 400 cycles at 1 C). The advantageous contributions of the bicontinuous structure and I₃^- adsorption mechanism of SP-PPy were revealed by a combination of ion diffusion experiments and theoretical calculations. This study opens a new avenue for the synthesis of porous polymers with new topologies, broadens the spectrum of bicontinuous-structured materials, and also develops a novel potential application for porous polymers.

Fast constructing polarity-switchable zinc-bromine microbatteries with high areal energy density

Microbatteries (MBs) are promising candidates to provide power for various miniaturized electronic devices, yet they generally suffer from complicated fabrication procedures and low areal energy density. Besides, all cathodes of current MBs are solid state, and the trade-off between areal capacity and reaction kinetics restricts their wide applications. Here, we propose a dual-plating strategy to facilely prepare zinc-bromine MBs (Zn-Br₂ MBs) with a liquid cathode to achieve both high areal energy density and fast kinetics simultaneously. The Zn-Br₂ MBs deliver a record high areal energy density of 3.6 mWh cm^-2, almost an order of magnitude higher than available planar MBs. Meanwhile, they show a polarity-switchable feature to tolerate confusion of cathode and anode. This strategy could also be extended to other battery systems, such as Zn-I₂ and Zn-MnO₂ MBs. This work not only proposes an effective construction method for MBs but also enriches categories of microscale energy storage devices.

Recent Advances of Aqueous Rechargeable Zinc-Iodine Batteries: Challenges, Solutions, and Prospects

Aqueous rechargeable zinc-iodine batteries (ZIBs), including zinc-iodine redox flow batteries and static ZIBs, are promising candidates for future grid-scale electrochemical energy storage. They are safe with great theoretical capacity, high energy, and power density. Nevertheless, to make aqueous rechargeable ZIBs practically feasible, there are quite a few hurdles that need to be overcome, including self-discharge, sluggish kinetics, low energy density, and instability of Zn metal anodes. This article first reviews the electrochemistry in aqueous rechargeable ZIBs, including the flow and static battery configurations and their electrode reactions. Then the authors discuss the fundamental questions of ZIBs and highlight the key strategies and recent accomplishments in tackling the challenges. Last, they share their thoughts on the future research development in aqueous rechargeable ZIBs.

Non-Electrode Components for Rechargeable Aqueous Zinc Batteries: Electrolytes, Solid-Electrolyte-Interphase, Current Collectors, Binders, and Separators

Rechargeable aqueous zinc batteries (AZBs) are one of the promising options for large-scale electrical energy storage owing to their safety, affordability and environmental friendliness. During the past decade, there have been remarkable advancements in the AZBs technology, which are achieved through intensive efforts not only in the area of electrode materials but also in the fundamental understandings of non-electrode components such as electrolytes, solid electrolyte interphase (SEI), current collectors, binders, and separators. In particular, the breakthroughs in the non-electrode components should not be underestimated in having enabled the AZBs to attain a higher energy and power density beyond that of the conventional AZBs, proving their critical role. In this article, the recent research progress is comprehensively reviewed with respect to non-electrode components in AZBs, covering the new-type of electrolytes that have been introduced, attempts for the tailoring of SEI, and the design efforts for multi-functional current collectors, binders and separators, along with the remaining challenges associated with these non-electrode components. Finally, perspectives are discussed toward future research directions in this field. This extensive overview on the non-electrode components is expected to guide and spur further development of high-performance AZBs.

A Flexible Aqueous Zinc-Iodine Microbattery with Unprecedented Energy Density

Currently, reported aqueous microbatteries (MBs) only show unsatisfactory electrochemical performance (≤120 mWh cm^-3 volumetric energy density and <1000 μWh cm^-2 areal energy density) and it remains challenging to develop durable aqueous MBs that can simultaneously offer both high volumetric and areal energy density. Herein, an in situ electrodeposition strategy is adopted to construct a flexible aqueous zinc-iodine MB (ZIDMB). Notably, the fabrication process well avoids the use of common additives (such as binders, conductive agents, and toxic solvent) and also bypasses subsequent time-consuming procedures such as grinding, coating, drying, etc., thus greatly simplifying the manufacture of the ZIDMB. Meanwhile, owing to the suppression of the shuttle effect of triiodide ions and the high ionic conductivity of the polyelectrolyte, the ZIDMB can simultaneously deliver record-high volumetric and areal energy densities of 1647.3 mWh cm^-3 and 2339.1 μWh cm^-2 , thus achieving values at least 13.5- and 2.3-fold better than those of best available aqueous MBs, respectively. This work affords an innovative strategy to construct an ideal micro-power-source for future miniaturized and integrated electronics.

Triiodide-in-Iodine Networks Stabilized by Quaternary Ammonium Cations as Accelerants for Electrode Kinetics of Iodide Oxidation in Aqueous Media

The Zn-polyiodide redox flow battery is considered to be a promising aqueous energy storage system. However, in its charging process, the electrode kinetics of I^- oxidation often suffer from an intrinsically generated iodine film (I₂-F) on the cathode of the battery. Therefore, it is critical to both understand and enhance the observed slow electrode kinetics of I^- oxidation by an electrochemically generated I₂-F. In this article, we introduced an electrogenerated N-methyl-N-ethyl pyrrolidinium iodide (MEPI)-iodine (I₂) solution, designated as MEPIS, and demonstrated that the electrode kinetics of I^- oxidation were dramatically enhanced compared to an I₂-F under conventional electrolyte conditions, such as NaI. We showed that this result mainly contributed to the fast electro-oxidation of triiodide (I₃^-), which exists in the shape of a I₃^--in-I₂ network, [I₃^-·(I₂)_n]. Raman spectroscopic and electrochemical analyses showed that the composition of electrogenerated MEPIS changed from I₃^- to [I₃^-·(I₂)_n] via I₅^- as the anodic overpotential increased. We also confirmed that I^- was electrochemically oxidized on a MEPIS-modified Pt electrode with fast electrode kinetics, which is clearly contrary to the nature of an I₂-F derived from a NaI solution as a kinetic barrier of I^- oxidation. Through stochastic MEPIS-particle impact electrochemistry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, we revealed that the enhanced electrode kinetics of I^- oxidation in MEPIS can be attributed to the facilitated charge transfer of I₃^- oxidation in [I₃^-·(I₂)_n]. In addition, we found that the degree of freedom of I₃^- in a quaternary ammonium-based I₂-F can also be critical to determine the kinetics of the electro-oxidation of I^-, which is that MEPIS showed more enhanced charge-transfer kinetics of I^- oxidation compared to tetrabutylammonium I₃^- due to the higher degree of freedom of I₃^-.

A Powerful One-Step Puffing Carbonization Method for Construction of Versatile Carbon Composites with High-Efficiency Energy Storage

Carbon materials play a critical role in the advancement of electrochemical energy storage and conversion. Currently, it is still a great challenge to fabricate versatile carbon-based composites with controlled morphology, adjustable dimension, and tunable composition by a one-step synthesis process. In this work, a powerful one-step maltose-based puffing carbonization technology is reported to construct multiscale carbon-based composites on large scale. A quantity of composite examples (e.g., carbon/metal oxides, carbon/metal nitrides, carbon/metal carbides, carbon/metal sulfides, carbon/metals, metal/semiconductors, carbon/carbons) are prepared and demonstrated with required properties. These well-designed composites show advantages of large porosity, hierarchical porous structure, high conductivity, tunable components, and proportion. The formation mechanism of versatile carbon composites is attributed to the puffing-carbonization of maltose plus in situ carbothermal reaction between maltose and precursors. As a representative example, Li₂ S is in situ implanted into a hierarchical porous cross-linked puffed carbon (CPC) matrix to verify its application in lithium-sulfur batteries. The designed S-doped CPC/Li₂ S cathode shows superior electrochemical performance with higher rate capacity (621 mAh g^-1 at 2 C), smaller polarization and enhanced long-term cycles as compared to other counterparts. The research provides a general way for the construction of multifunctional component-adjustable carbon composites for advanced energy storage and conversion.