Carbon materials for smart batteries

• Carbon materials offer structural adjustability and multifunctional compatibility, addressing limitations of conventional battery materials in energy density, response time, and functional integration. • Strategies such as pore structure engineering, interlayer spacing modulation, chemical functionalization, and composite design significantly enhance specific capacity and cycling stability of batteries. • Carbon materials enable smart battery functions including power supply, real-time monitoring, and energy management, transforming batteries into intelligent energy systems. • The integration of carbon materials with sensing, self-protection, and thermal management modules paves the way for advanced smart battery applications.