Recent progress of surface/interface modification of transition metal oxides for enhancing electrochemical energy storage and conversion activity

The electrochemical performance of transition metal oxides (TMOs) is significantly influenced by their surfaces and interfaces, which are pivotal in facilitating charge transfer, ion diffusion, and catalytic reactions. However, intrinsic limitations such as poor conductivity, insufficient active sites, and structural instability often hinder their efficiency. Surface/interface modification addresses these challenges by engineering the material at the atomic and nanoscale levels, thereby enhancing its functional performance. The rational design of transition metal oxide (TMO) surfaces and interfaces is pivotal in advancing electrochemical energy storage and conversion technologies, which involves tailoring the surface electronic structure, optimizing the surface topography, enhancing charge transfer rates, and incorporating vacancy defects. Surface and interface modification offers a plethora of active sites, thereby becoming indispensable in enhancing material properties. This review systematically summarizes the latest advancements in the surface/interface modification of transition metal oxides, with a particular focus on the strategies to enhance the electrochemical performance and stability of these materials in energy storage applications. It kicks off with a thorough exploration of vacancy engineering and delves into the fundamental mechanisms behind ion doping. Subsequently, various methods for modifying interfaces and surfaces, including thermal treatment, reduction method, cation/anion doping, plasma treatment, combustion treatment, laser ablation, are meticulously discussed. Furthermore, the crucial role of surface/interface modification of transition metal oxides in catalysis, supercapacitors, and secondary batteries is elaborated in detail. Finally, the review addresses the challenges and future prospects associated with modifying the surfaces/interfaces of transition met. This review emphasizes the role of surface/interface modification in enhancing TMOs performance, especially in electrochemical energy storage and conversion, guiding future strategy design and optimization. • The mechanisms underlying surface and interface modifications of transition metal oxides were systematically summarized. • A comprehensive review of methods for surface and interface modifications of transition metal oxides was conducted. • The electrochemical applications of transition metal oxides enhanced by surface and interface modifications were critically compared.