Electrodes, Electrolytes and Interfaces for High-Performance Rechargeable Batteries

Dear Colleagues,

With increasing energy demand, the efficient utilization of renewable energy has become the primary issue in the energy field. Secondary batteries can accomplish efficient energy storage, providing an effective solution for the utilization of renewable energy. Lithium-ion batteries have been the most widely used secondary battery system owing to their high energy density and long lifespan and will still be the dominating power source and research hotspot in the next decade for a wide range of products, especially in vehicles and consumable electronics. However, lithium-ion batteries have encountered problems such as increasing manufacturing costs, lithium supply chain constraints, and safety issues. Therefore, researchers are also developing various types of next-generation lithium-ion batteries and post-lithium-ion batteries with the advantages of low-cost, abundant resources; high safety; and high electrochemical stability, which include sodium-ion batteries; Zn-, Mg- and Al-based multivalent metal-ion batteries; etc. The suitable design of electrode materials, electrolytes, and the interface structure have a strong impact on the  structural stability, reversible capacity, long cycling capability, and rate performance of energy storage devices.

This Special Issue mainly focuses on electrode material design, electrolyte optimization, interface engineering, and electrochemical devices configuration for all kinds of post-lithium-ion batteries. Original research contributions and comprehensive, in-depth review articles highlighting recent progress are all welcome. The areas of interest include, but are not limited to:

• Cathode or anode materials for lithium-/sodium-ion batteries and Zn-, Mg-, or Al-based multivalent metal-ion batteries;
• Electrolytes optimization for lithium-/sodium-ion batteries and Zn-, Mg-, or Al-based multivalent metal-ion batteries;
• Optimization design and simulation of electrode surfaces and electrolyte interfaces;
• Machine-learning-assisted modeling and simulation for electrode materials and electrolytes;
• Electrochemical devices configuration for all kinds of post-lithium-ion batteries.

Prof. Dr. Huajun Tian
Dr. Yan Xin
Guest Editors

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