Recent Advances of Amorphous Nanomaterials: Synthesis and Applications

Abstract

Comprehensive SummaryAmorphous nanomaterials are metastable nanomaterials which only have short‐range order within a few neighboring atoms, based on the local chemical bondings. Different from crystalline materials, the amorphous nanomaterials lack of long‐range order exhibit many intriguing and unique structu ral features, such as abundant active sites, structural flexibility, intrinsic isotropy and fast ionic transport. However, due to the unco nventional structural complexity, the systematic study and understanding of amorphous nanomaterials are still in the early stage. In this review, we will describe our journey to the synthesis, characterization and applications of amorphous nanomaterials, including catalysis, energy storage, optics and mechanics.What is the most favorite and original chemistry developed in your research group?Our group developed a variety of universal methods, such as "coordination etching" method, "self‐hydrolytic etch‐precipitation" method, photoetching method, co‐precipitation method, etc., to achieve the controllable preparation of amorphous nanomaterials with different morphology, size and dimension, and the catalytic, mechanical and optical properties of the materials and their potential applications were also studied. Moreover, the relevant mechanisms were proposed, the structure‐activity relationship was established, and the development and application of amorphous micro‐nanomaterials were promoted.How do you get into this specific field? Could you please share some experiences with our readers?My journey into the field of amorphous nanomaterials began 20 years ago when I developed a fascination for materials science and nanotechnology. During my early research experiences, I encountered the intriguing world of amorphous nanomaterials. These materials, lacking a long‐range crystalline order, presented both challenges and opportunities in terms of their synthesis and understanding their properties. It's a field where creativity and precision intersect, driving me to continually seek innovative solutions and deepen my understanding of nanoscale phenomena.How do you supervise your students?As a professor, I supervise students by setting clear expectations, holding regular meetings for feedback and guidance, and encouragingindependent thinking. I support their career development by identifying opportunities and creating a collaborative environment. Adapting to individual needs, I foster a fair and consistent approach to help students grow professionally and academically.What is the most important personality for scientific research?One of the most important traits for scientific research is curiosity. It drives researchers to ask questions, explore new ideas, and seek innovative solutions. Curiosity fuels the desire to understand the unknown, propelling scientific discovery and breakthroughs. Additionally, persistence is crucial as research often involves challenges and setbacks that require perseverance to overcome. Clear communication skills are also vital for sharing findings and collaborating effectively within the scientific community.Who influences you mostly in your life?As a researcher, my greatest influences come from my mentors, Prof. Hesun Zhu, Qianshu Li and Shihe Yang who guide my academic journey and collaborators who inspire new ideas and perspectives. My mentors, who provide guidance and expertise play a crucial role in shaping my approach to research and career development. Their insights and support empower me to navigate challenges and continuously strive for excellence in my scientific endeavors.What are your hobbies?My hobbies are a blend of activities that complement and enrich my professional life. I enjoy participating in discussions and workshops within my academic community, where I can exchange ideas and learn from peers outside of formal research settings.Key Scientists