Inorganic Materials: Crystallization and Energy Storage Applications

Dear Colleagues,

The advancement of energy storage technologies is critical for sustainable energy solutions, and relies heavily on inorganic materials whose functional properties are fundamentally governed by crystallization processes. Crystal structure, morphology, defect chemistry, and their multiscale organization directly determine ionic/electronic transport, structural stability, and interfacial behavior in batteries, supercapacitors, and other electrochemical energy storage systems. Despite significant progress, the rational control of material architecture from the atomic to the mesoscale—and even to the macroscopic electrode level—remains a formidable challenge. Bridging synthesis, crystallography, and device performance is therefore essential for the rational design of next-generation energy storage materials. We are pleased to invite you to contribute to this Special Issue on “Inorganic Materials: Crystallization and Energy Storage Applications.”

This Special Issue aims to showcase cutting-edge research on the design, crystallization control, and functional optimization of inorganic materials for energy storage. We seek contributions that elucidate the relationships between synthetic conditions, crystallographic features, and electrochemical properties. The scope encompasses fundamental studies on nucleation and growth, as well as the development of novel electrode and electrolyte materials, aligning with the journal’s focus on materials science.

In this Special Issue, both original research articles and comprehensive reviews are welcome. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following:

• Crystallization mechanisms of inorganic materials.
  Examples include classical and non-classical nucleation pathways (e.g., particle attachment, oriented attachment, Ostwald ripening), the role of supersaturation, temperature gradients, templates, and additives in directing crystal phase and morphology, as well as crystallization under confinement or in ionic liquids.
• Defect/interface engineering for enhanced performance.
  Tuning of oxygen vacancies, cation disorder, grain boundaries, and surface terminations to improve ionic conductivity, redox activity, and cycle stability.
• Advanced in-situ characterization techniques.
  In situ XRD, Raman, TEM, and X-ray absorption spectroscopy to monitor phase evolution, lattice strain, and local structural changes during electrochemical cycling.
• Solid-state electrolytes.
  Design and crystallization control of oxides (e.g., garnet-type LLZO, perovskite-type LLTO), sulfides (e.g., LGPS, argyrodites), and halides (e.g., Li₃YCl₆, Li₃InCl₆) with emphasis on ionic conductivity, interfacial compatibility, and mechanical properties.
• Morphology control from 0D to 3D structures.
  Synthesis of nanoparticles, nanowires, nanosheets, hierarchical porous structures, and ordered mesoporous frameworks for enhanced ion/electron transport and electrode integrity.
• First-principles calculations and modeling.
  DFT, molecular dynamics, and phase-field simulations to predict crystal growth habits, defect formation energies, ion migration barriers, and electrode–electrolyte interfacial reactions.
• Scale-up synthesis and commercialization.
  Continuous hydrothermal synthesis, flame spray pyrolysis, template-free routes, and low-cost processing strategies for industrially relevant electrode and electrolyte materials.
• Structure–electrochemistry relationship.
  Systematic correlation of crystal structure (e.g., layered, spinel, olivine, rocksalt, polyanionic frameworks) with specific energy storage applications, including lithium-ion batteries, sodium-ion batteries, lithium–sulfur batteries, solid-state batteries, and aqueous zinc-ion batteries or supercapacitors.

We particularly encourage contributions that address the following focus areas: (i) crystallization under non-equilibrium conditions (e.g., rapid quenching, microwave-assisted synthesis, or electrochemical crystallization) and its impact on metastable phase formation; (ii) defect chemistry in conversion-type and intercalation-type electrodes (e.g., transition metal oxides, phosphates, sulfides, and selenides); and (iii) interfacial crystallization at electrode–solid electrolyte junctions. Applications of interest include high-energy-density batteries, fast-charging devices, wide-temperature-range supercapacitors, and flexible/wearable energy storage systems.

We look forward to receiving your contributions and to advancing the fundamental understanding and practical application of crystalline inorganic materials in energy storage.

Dr. Zongkun Chen
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 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

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-anonymized peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Inorganics is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly 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 2200 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.