The sustainable future relies on the synergistic development of energy, environmental, and electronic systems, founded on the development of functional materials by exploring their quantum mechanisms. Effective control over the distribution and behavior of charges within these materials, a basic quantum attribute, is crucial in dictating their physical, chemical, and electronic properties. At the core of charge manipulation lies “polarization”—a ubiquitous phenomenon marked by separating positive and negative charges. This review thoroughly examines polarization techniques, spotlighting their transformative role in catalysis, energy storage, solar cells, and electronics. Starting with the foundational mechanisms underlying various forms of polarization, including piezoelectric, ferroelectric, and pyroelectric effects, the perspective is expanded to cover any asymmetric phenomena that generate internal fields, such as heterostructures and doping. Afterward, the critical role of polarization across various applications, including charge separation, surface chemistry modification, and energy band alignment, is highlighted. Special emphasis is placed on the synergy between polarization and material properties, demonstrating how this interplay is pivotal in overcoming existing technological limitations and unlocking new functionalities. Through a comprehensive analysis, a holistic roadmap is offered for harnessing polarization across the broad spectrum of applications, thus finding sustainable solutions for future energy, environment, and electronics.

中文翻译：

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极化：能源、环境和电子的通用驱动力


可持续的未来依赖于能源、环境和电子系统的协同发展，这些发展建立在通过探索量子机制开发功能材料的基础上。有效控制这些材料中电荷的分布和行为是基本的量子属性，对于决定它们的物理、化学和电子特性至关重要。电荷操纵的核心是“极化”——一种普遍存在的现象，其特征是正电荷和负电荷分离。这篇综述彻底研究了极化技术，突出了它们在催化、储能、太阳能电池和电子学中的变革性作用。从各种形式的极化基础机制开始，包括压电、铁电和热释电效应，视野扩展到涵盖任何产生内部场的不对称现象，例如异质结构和掺杂。之后，强调了极化在各种应用中的关键作用，包括电荷分离、表面化学修饰和能带对齐。特别强调极化和材料特性之间的协同作用，展示了这种相互作用如何在克服现有技术限制和解锁新功能方面发挥关键作用。通过全面分析，提供了一个整体路线图，用于在广泛的应用中利用极化，从而为未来的能源、环境和电子产品找到可持续的解决方案。