Carbon and Carbon/Metal Hybrid Structures Enabled by Ultrafast Heating Methods

High‐temperature thermal treatment is a standard step in synthesis of many materials. Recently, ultrafast heating methods, such as Joule heating, laser, light, or microwave irradiations, have been used to create novel carbon materials and carbon/metal hybrid structures, demonstrating unique and often superior properties compared with those synthesized by conventional heating methods. They have shown promising application potentials in catalysis, batteries, supercapacitors, fuel cells, sensors, implants, actuators, lighting devices, and waste recycling. Herein, recent findings in creating novel carbon and carbon/metal hybrid structures by ultrafast heating methods are reviewed. The most frequently used ultrafast heating methods, their advantages, and their limitations are first described. Then, different carbon structures created by these methods, including graphene, reduced graphene oxide, hard carbon, carbon nanotube architectures, and other carbon hybrids, are summarized. Next, novel carbon/metal hybrid structures are reviewed, including carbon‐supported nanoparticles of monometals, metal alloys, metal composites, high‐entropy alloys, and single‐atom catalysts. Heating methods, critical precursors used, synthesis parameters affecting material structures, and mechanistic understanding of their unique synthesis processes are focused on. The essential properties of these novel structures and their applications are also summarized. Finally, knowledge gaps and technical challenges in using these methods for scalable material production are discussed.