Surface Science in Electrochemical Energy Storage

Dear Colleagues,

Surface science plays a critical role in the development of advanced electrochemical energy storage systems, such as batteries and supercapacitors. The performance, efficiency, and lifespan of these devices are strongly influenced by the properties and behaviors of the electrode surfaces. Surface interactions, such as adsorption, electron transfer, and ion diffusion, are essential in determining the overall performance of energy storage materials. Furthermore, surface modifications and engineering techniques, including coating, doping, and nanostructuring, are employed to enhance charge storage capacity, reduce degradation, and improve cycle life. This Special Issue aims to delve into recent advancements in surface science, focusing on how surface properties influence the electrochemical behavior of materials and the optimization of energy storage devices. By understanding the intricate relationship between surface structure and electrochemical performance, researchers aim to design more efficient and durable energy storage solutions that meet the demands of modern energy systems. This Special Issue aims to cover a wide range of topics, from fundamental surface reactions to cutting-edge materials and technologies, offering a comprehensive overview of the current state of surface science in electrochemical energy storage.

The aim of this Special Issue of Surfaces is to offer a broad open access forum for all groups across the surface science community and gather a collection of cutting-edge original and applied research articles and review papers in the context of “Surface Science in Electrochemical Energy Storage”. Special emphasis will be on, but not limited to, the following topics:

(1) Surface Engineering for High-Performance Electrode Materials
This theme focuses on the impact of surface structure design (e.g., nanostructuring, defect engineering, heterointerface construction) on the electrochemical energy storage performance of electrode materials. It explores surface modification strategies for enhancing the energy density and cycling stability of lithium/sodium-ion batteries and supercapacitors

(2) In Situ/Operando Characterization of Electrochemical Interfaces
This theme discusses the application of advanced surface characterization techniques (e.g., in situ XPS, AFM, TEM, synchrotron radiation) in revealing the dynamic evolution of electrode–electrolyte interfaces, the formation mechanisms of solid–electrolyte interphase (SEI) layers, and the kinetics of surface reactions.

(3) Correlative Surface Phenomena in Multi-Ion Energy Storage Systems
This theme investigates the synergistic mechanisms of surface ion adsorption/desorption, charge transfer, and interfacial side reactions in novel energy storage systems (e.g., potassium/zinc/magnesium-ion batteries, flow batteries). It aims to uncover the influence of surface chemistry on battery failure behaviors.

(4) Two-Dimensional Materials and Heterostructures for Advanced Energy Storage
This theme explores surface functionalization strategies for 2D materials (e.g., MXenes, graphene, transition metal dichalcogenides) and their interfacial effects in flexible energy storage devices. It focuses on surface charge storage mechanisms and breakthroughs in device integration technologies.

(5) Sustainability-Oriented Surface Science in Energy Storage
This theme highlights the application of surface engineering in the recycling of retired battery materials, the development of low-cobalt/cobalt-free cathodes, and the corrosion inhibition of aqueous batteries. It explores the critical role of surface and interface regulation in enhancing the environmental friendliness and cost-effectiveness of energy storage devices.

Dr. Siwen Zhang
Dr. Bosi Yin
Guest Editors

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. Surfaces is an international peer-reviewed open access quarterly 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 1600 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.

• surface science
• electrochemical energy storage
• electrode materials
• battery performance
• supercapacitors
• surface modification
• material design
• electrochemical behavior
• nanostructuring