Research on Electrolytes Used in Energy Storage Systems
A special issue of Energies (ISSN 1996-1073). This special issue belongs to the section "D: Energy Storage and Application".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 October 2025 | Viewed by 25
Special Issue Editor
Interests: nanoscale surface and subsurface characterization of electrode materials and interfaces using advanced scanning probe microscopy; establishment of baseline cathode and anode materials; development of best protocols for live testing of commercial and prototype lithium-ion cells under uncompressed and compressed states; comparison of prototype cells and state-of-the-art commercial cells; understanding the degradation mechanism on a laboratory-made small-scale coin cells; prototype and commercial lithium-ion batteries (LIBs); electrochemical (non-destructive) and chemical analyses (destructive post mortem analysis of fresh and cycled cells at various stages to gain insight into the cause of cell breakdown in various states of health (SoH)); models for the validation of cell lifetime
Special Issue Information
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
Manuscript Submission Information
Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.
Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Energies is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.
Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.
Keywords
- energy storage systems (ESS)
- electrolytes
- battery safety
- electrolyte additives
- ion transport
- molecular mechanism
- degradation mechanism
- electrochemical stability
- thermal stability
- low temperature
- pressure
- solvation structure
- scalability
- electric double layer
- thermal runaway
- industrial compatibility
- rechargeable batteries
- solid state batteries
- super capacitors
- redox flow batteries
- technology readiness level
Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue
- Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
- Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
- Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
- External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
- Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.
Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.
