Carbon Quantum Dot–Derived Hierarchical Carbon Architectures for Fast‐Charging Lithium‐Ion Battery Anodes: Mechanistic Insights Into Structural Evolution, Transport Kinetics, and Interface Engineering
Abstract
ABSTRACT The growing demand for fast‐charging and long‐life lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) has intensified interest in advanced carbon anodes with improved transport kinetics and structural durability. Among emerging candidates, carbon quantum dot (CQD)–derived hierarchical carbons have attracted significant attention because of their tunable surface chemistry, nanoscale dimensions, and versatile assembly behavior. This review critically examines the recent progress in CQD‐derived carbon architectures for high‐rate LIB anodes, emphasizing the mechanistic relationships between precursor chemistry, structural evolution, and electrochemical performance. Particular focus is placed on surface functionalization dynamics, thermal transformation pathways, mesophase nucleation, pore engineering, and heteroatom incorporation during carbonization. The effects of hierarchical porosity and lattice modification on ion diffusion, charge‐transfer kinetics, electronic conductivity, and mechanical stability are systematically discussed from both experimental and theoretical perspectives. Furthermore, the dimensional transformation of CQDs into one‐, two‐, and three‐dimensional architectures is analyzed in relation to fast‐charging capability and long‐term cycling durability. Current challenges associated with scalable synthesis, active‐site precision, and practical full‐cell evaluation are also highlighted. By integrating structure–process–performance relationships into a unified framework, this review provides strategic insights for the rational design of next‐generation CQD‐derived carbon anodes for advanced electrochemical energy‐storage systems.