Zinc sulfide quantum dot hybrid architectures for electrochemical energy storage: Interfacial design and ion-transport regulation

Zinc sulfide quantum dots (ZnS QDs) attract increasing attention as nanoscale building blocks for electrochemical energy-storage systems because their quantum-confined dimensions, surface-rich structures, and tunable interfacial chemistry enable effective coupling with conductive or redox-active hosts. However, their specific contribution often remains difficult to distinguish from the effects of carbon frameworks, polymers, heterostructures, and device configurations. This review examines ZnS QD hybrid architectures for electrochemical energy storage, with an emphasis on interfacial design and ion-transport regulation. First, it discusses the structural and physicochemical foundations of ZnS QDs, including phase identity, quantum confinement, defect states, surface chemistry, colloidal stability, and electrochemical responsiveness. It then develops an architecture-level framework that links quantum-dot dispersion, conductive coupling, ion-accessible pathways, charge percolation, and interfacial stability. The review analyzes evidence from battery, supercapacitor, lithium–sulfur, potassium-ion, and hybrid-capacitor systems to elucidate structure–property–performance relationships rather than merely compare numerical performance. The discussion establishes a central design principle: ZnS QDs function most effectively when their nanoscale reactivity is integrated into continuous, stable, and ion- and electron-accessible hybrid interfaces. Key challenges remain in mechanistic separation, standardized evaluation, scalable synthesis, and durable electrode manufacturing.

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