Interplay of Surface Engineering, Quantum Transport, and Electron–Phonon Coupling in Advanced Functional Materials

The performance of advanced functional materials at reduced length scales is increasingly governed by surface and interface phenomena, quantum transport effects, and electron–phonon coupling. As material dimensions approach the nanoscale, classical transport descriptions become inadequate, necessitating frameworks that explicitly account for surface-induced scattering, quantum confinement, and lattice interactions. This article presents a structured analysis of how surface engineering strategies influence quantum transport regimes by modulating electron–phonon interactions. Emphasis is placed on low-dimensional and anisotropic material systems, where surface states and interfacial phonon modes strongly affect carrier mobility, coherence, and energy dissipation. Recent experimental and theoretical studies are discussed to illustrate how tailored surfaces and interfaces can either enhance or limit transport efficiency depending on coupling strength and structural quality. The review provides an integrated perspective on transport behavior in functional materials and outlines design considerations for nanoelectronic, thermoelectric, and quantum device applications.