Research on Electrolytes Used in Energy Storage Systems

Dear Colleagues,

The global drive towards net-zero emissions is accelerating the exponential growth of electric vehicles, portable electronics, and grid storage. This surge in demand is fuelling the global push for energy storage systems (ESSs), which offer a strategic solution to mitigate energy shortage and energy loss while also enhancing autonomy, safety, and lifetime. Thus far, a significant progress has been made regarding the core components of ESS—electrode materials, electrolytes, and separators—as well as battery architectures, storage and cycling conditions, and lifetime predictions.  Among these, the electrolytes play a pivotal role, not only facilitating the movement of ions across electrodes and enabling the flow of electricity, but also directly influencing key performance metrics.  The properties of electrolytes directly impact ion transport mechanisms, formation of a vital solid electrolyte interphase (SEI/CEI), and electrochemical and thermal stabilities of any ESS.

Thus far, research has been multifaceted, spanning various electrolyte chemistries, ranging from conventional carbonate systems to non-flammable alternatives, along with electrolyte additives of various concentrations, solvation structure tuning, interfacial phenomena, degradation mechanisms, long-term stability, and cost-effective electrolyte formulations. However, less attention has been paid to the scalability and industrial compatibility of these advanced electrolyte systems. This remains a critical bottleneck in the transition from lab scale innovations to real-world applications. 

This Special Issue aims to highlight recent advances, unresolved challenges, and emerging strategies in electrolyte research, with a special focus on understanding, consolidating, and reframing our academic efforts towards translational impact, i.e., bridging the gap between laboratory scale research and industrial implementation.

Contributions are welcome across a broad range of energy storage technologies such as, but not limited to, the following:  rechargeable batteries (lithium-ion, sodium ion, zinc based, multivalent, and solid-state batteries), super capacitors, redox flow batteries, and more.

Experimental and computational approaches include the following:

• Cost-effective advanced electrolytes and novel synthetic routes.
• Electrolyte properties and ion transport mechanisms (ex situ, in situ, and operando).
• Electrolyte degradation and compatibility with electrodes.
• Electrolyte behavior at varied temperatures and pressures.
• Thermal runaway and safety.

We believe that this collection will be valuable not only for experts in this field, but also for young investigators that wish to take their work from technology readiness level 1 (idea formulated) to technology readiness level 5 (large prototype).

We look forward to your contributions.

Dr. Mangayarkarasi Nagarathinam
Guest Editor

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