Minireview and Perspective of Emerging Metal Cyanamide Architectures for Catalytic and Energy Storage Applications

Abstract Metal cyanamides represent an emerging class of functional solids whose properties extend beyond those of traditional oxides and sulfides. While the dianionic [NCN]2– moiety shares the same charge as O2– and S2–, giving rise to structural similarities with established metal chalcogenides, its inherent electronic delocalization and dynamic bonding flexibility distinguish it from conventional ligands. Crucially, the reversible interconversion between distinct bonding configurations within the NCN framework in specific metal cyanamides provides opportunities for regulating redox activity and electronic transport. This review summarizes recent advances in understanding the structure–property relationships of metal cyanamides, covering rational synthesis and their emerging applications in catalysis and rechargeable batteries. We highlight how the dynamic nature of the cyanamide ligand facilitates multifunctionality, positioning these architectures as versatile platforms for next-generation catalysis and energy technologies while identifying critical challenges and opportunities for future materials design.