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Batteries
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10th Anniversary of Batteries: Interface Science in Batteries
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10th Anniversary of Batteries: Interface Science in Batteries

A special issue of Batteries (ISSN 2313-0105). This special issue belongs to the section "Electrode Materials and Advanced Characterization".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 10 August 2026 | Viewed by 10990

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Kah Chun Lau

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Physics & Astronomy, California State University Northridge, 18111 Nordhoff Street, Northridge, CA 91330, USA
Interests: energy storage materials; functionalized interfaces; atomistic simulation; data-mining; nanomaterials simulation
Dr. Xiangbo Meng

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA
Interests: energy storage materials; interface engineering; lithium-ion batteries and beyond; atomic and molecular layer deposition
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Nikhil A. Koratkar

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Nuclear Engineering Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 110 Eighth Street, Troy, New York, NY 12180, USA
Interests: synthesis, characterization, and application of nanostructured materials; lithium-ion batteries; solar cell

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Rapid advances in rechargeable lithium batteries offer unprecedented opportunities for pursuing fundamental studies in interface science, spanning a wide range of material landscapes including functional solid/semi-liquid/liquid electrolytes, anodes, and cathodes. Fundamental understandings of the interface will be the key driver for the continued development and advances in advanced lithium-ion batteries and beyond-lithium-ion battery technologies.

In this Special Issue, we aim to address topics of interest including, but not limited to, the following:

  • Anode–solid-state electrolyte interface;
  • Anode–liquid electrolyte interface;
  • Cathode–solid-state electrolyte interface;
  • Cathode–liquid electrolyte interface;
  • Metal–solid/liquid electrolyte interface;
  • Functional anode/cathode coating design;
  • Batteries interfaces sciences (theory, experiments, and characterization).

Dr. Kah Chun Lau
Dr. Xiangbo Meng
Dr. Nikhil A. Koratkar
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 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-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Batteries 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 2700 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

  • electrified interface
  • electrode–electrolyte interface
  • metal–electrolyte interface

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 3026 KB  
Article
Investigation of NMC-811 Surface Degradation in Pure CO2 and Humid Air
by Nicolò Latini, Eugenio Gibertini, Marco Bianchi, Eleonora Natale, Gianluca Mondini, Vanni Lughi and Luca Magagnin
Batteries 2026, 12(5), 155; https://doi.org/10.3390/batteries12050155 - 27 Apr 2026
Viewed by 471
Abstract
Nickel-rich NMC-811 is a benchmark cathode material for high-energy density lithium-ion batteries due to its high specific capacity (>200 mAh g−1) and operating voltage (~3.8 V). However, its strong surface reactivity toward atmospheric species, particularly moisture and CO2, poses [...] Read more.
Nickel-rich NMC-811 is a benchmark cathode material for high-energy density lithium-ion batteries due to its high specific capacity (>200 mAh g−1) and operating voltage (~3.8 V). However, its strong surface reactivity toward atmospheric species, particularly moisture and CO2, poses significant challenges during storage and processing, leading to the formation of LiOH- and Li2CO3-rich surface layers. Although the effects of humid air have been widely investigated, a direct comparison between high relative humidity and pure CO2 exposure remains limited. Here, we systematically examine the morphological, structural, chemical, and electrochemical evolution of commercial NMC-811 electrodes after 5 h exposure to 80% relative humidity or CO2-saturated atmosphere. Moisture treatment induces substantial surface reconstruction, lattice shrinkage, and increased cation disorder, accompanied by extensive hydroxide and carbonate formation. In contrast, CO2 exposure mainly modifies the outermost surface layer without significant bulk structural changes. Electrochemical testing reveals that CO2-treated electrodes display higher initial polarization but quickly recover near-pristine performance, whereas humidity-treated electrodes exhibit persistent kinetic limitations, accelerated capacity fading, and earlier end-of-life. Overall, degradation severity follows the trend: pristine < CO2 < RH 80%, highlighting the dominant role of moisture in irreversible structural deterioration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Batteries: Interface Science in Batteries)
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11 pages, 19852 KB  
Article
Fabrication of Thin Copper Anode Current Collectors on Ceramic Solid Electrolytes Using Atmospheric Plasma Spraying for Anode-Free Solid-State Batteries
by Andre Borchers, Timo Paschen, Manuela Ockel, Florian Vollnhals, Cornelius Dirksen, Martin Muckelbauer, Berik Uzakbaiuly, George Sarau, Jörg Franke and Silke Christiansen
Batteries 2026, 12(4), 142; https://doi.org/10.3390/batteries12040142 - 16 Apr 2026
Viewed by 568
Abstract
Metal anodes offer substantially higher specific and volumetric capacities than conventional anode materials such as graphite in lithium-ion batteries or hard carbon in sodium-ion batteries. However, the integration of metal anodes into solid-state batteries poses significant challenges, particularly with respect to processing, interfacial [...] Read more.
Metal anodes offer substantially higher specific and volumetric capacities than conventional anode materials such as graphite in lithium-ion batteries or hard carbon in sodium-ion batteries. However, the integration of metal anodes into solid-state batteries poses significant challenges, particularly with respect to processing, interfacial stability, and cell assembly. Anode-free solid-state batteries (AFSSBs) address these challenges by eliminating the pre-installed metal anode, instead forming the metal in situ during the initial charging (formation) step. In anode-free solid-state batteries, the quality of the interfacial contact is particularly critical, as insufficient contact can lead to locally increased current densities. Consequently, the initial metal plating during the formation step plays a decisive role in determining the homogeneity and stability of the anode interface. Furthermore, conventional battery-grade copper foils (~10 µm) are considerably thicker than required for the targeted C-rates and are difficult to use as stand-alone anode-free current collectors, thereby hindering the industrial production of anode-free solid-state batteries. In this publication, we demonstrate the application of atmospheric plasma spraying (APS) to fabricate thin copper current collectors directly on the ceramic solid electrolytes LAGP (lithium aluminium germanium phosphate) and BASE (beta-alumina solid electrolyte) with superior interface contact. No mechanical damage or diffusion of copper into the solid electrolyte nor formation of secondary phases at the interfaces were observed in SEM or EDS despite the elevated process temperature. LAGP with a thickness as low as 300 µm was successfully coated and subsequently used for plating/stripping experiments. Finally, dense sodium metal was plated at the copper-substrate interface of a 1.4 mm thick BASE sample. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Batteries: Interface Science in Batteries)
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9 pages, 3359 KB  
Communication
Hybrid Ionic Liquid–Organic Electrolyte Technologies for Sodium-Ion Batteries
by Daniela Ariaudo, Antonio Rinaldi, Rodolfo Araneo, Alessandro Dell’Era and Giovanni Battista Appetecchi
Batteries 2026, 12(2), 59; https://doi.org/10.3390/batteries12020059 - 12 Feb 2026
Viewed by 1280
Abstract
An innovative ionic liquid–organic hybrid electrolyte technology was developed to obtain safer and more reliable sodium-ion battery (SIB) systems. The formulation is based on the 1-ethyl-3-methyl-imidazolium bis(flurosulfonyl)imide (EMIFSI) ionic liquid combined with the Diglyme cosolvent, which showed good performance in SIBs. The hybrid [...] Read more.
An innovative ionic liquid–organic hybrid electrolyte technology was developed to obtain safer and more reliable sodium-ion battery (SIB) systems. The formulation is based on the 1-ethyl-3-methyl-imidazolium bis(flurosulfonyl)imide (EMIFSI) ionic liquid combined with the Diglyme cosolvent, which showed good performance in SIBs. The hybrid electrolyte formulation was qualified in terms of thermal and ion transport properties and electrochemical stability. The results, reported and discussed in the present manuscript, showed how it is feasible to improve conductivity without decreasing the safety and electrochemical stability of ionic liquid-based electrolytes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Batteries: Interface Science in Batteries)
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Review

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50 pages, 5392 KB  
Review
Advances in All-Solid-State Batteries Based on Chloride Solid Electrolytes
by Lihao Tang, Zijun Cui, Fei Xie, Xiaohui Rong, Yong-Sheng Hu and Yaxiang Lu
Batteries 2026, 12(2), 51; https://doi.org/10.3390/batteries12020051 - 4 Feb 2026
Viewed by 2160
Abstract
Driven by the imperative for enhanced battery safety, solid electrolytes have emerged as a leading strategy in next-generation energy storage technologies. Beyond conventional polymer, oxide, and sulfide systems, chloride-based inorganic solid electrolytes have recently garnered significant attention due to their unique combination of [...] Read more.
Driven by the imperative for enhanced battery safety, solid electrolytes have emerged as a leading strategy in next-generation energy storage technologies. Beyond conventional polymer, oxide, and sulfide systems, chloride-based inorganic solid electrolytes have recently garnered significant attention due to their unique combination of high ionic conductivity, favorable electrochemical stability, and processability. This work presents a comprehensive review of chloride solid electrolytes, examining their crystal structures, synthesis approaches, ionic transport mechanisms, and physicochemical stability under operational conditions. Furthermore, we discuss critical considerations for integrating these materials into practical all-solid-state batteries (ASSBs), including performance across wide temperature ranges, scalable cell fabrication methods, and cost-effectiveness. By bridging fundamental material properties with device-level engineering challenges, this review aims to provide a roadmap for future research and development, highlighting the substantial promise of chloride electrolytes in enabling safe, high-performance solid-state batteries. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Batteries: Interface Science in Batteries)
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34 pages, 7903 KB  
Review
Precisely Engineering Interfaces for High-Energy Rechargeable Lithium Batteries
by Kah Chun Lau and Xiangbo Meng
Batteries 2025, 11(12), 441; https://doi.org/10.3390/batteries11120441 - 29 Nov 2025
Viewed by 1555
Abstract
While we are pursuing a fully electrified society, high-energy rechargeable batteries are undergoing intensive investigation. In this respect, atomic and molecular layer deposition (ALD and MLD) have been drawing increasing interest, due to their unmatched capabilities to precisely modify electrodes’ surfaces for better [...] Read more.
While we are pursuing a fully electrified society, high-energy rechargeable batteries are undergoing intensive investigation. In this respect, atomic and molecular layer deposition (ALD and MLD) have been drawing increasing interest, due to their unmatched capabilities to precisely modify electrodes’ surfaces for better electrochemical performance. In this work, we reviewed the recent studies using ALD/MLD for interface engineering of several important electrode materials, including nickel (Ni)-rich metal oxide cathodes, silicon (Si), and lithium (Li) anodes in lithium-ion and lithium metal batteries. We particularly discussed the most promising coatings from these studies and explored the underlying mechanisms based on experiments and modeling. We anticipate that this work will inspire more studies using ALD/MLD as an important technique for securing new solutions for batteries. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Batteries: Interface Science in Batteries)
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28 pages, 3620 KB  
Review
Transition Metal-Based Catalysts Powering Practical Room-Temperature Na-S Batteries: From Advances to Further Perspectives
by Junsheng Li, Yongli Wang, Yuanyuan Yang, Peng Lei, Huatang Cao and Yinyu Xiang
Batteries 2025, 11(9), 333; https://doi.org/10.3390/batteries11090333 - 5 Sep 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1803
Abstract
Room-temperature sodium–sulfur (RT Na-S) batteries hold great potential in the field of large-scale energy storage due to their high theoretical energy density and low cost of raw materials. However, the inherent low conductivity, notorious shuttling, and sluggish kinetics of cathode materials cause the [...] Read more.
Room-temperature sodium–sulfur (RT Na-S) batteries hold great potential in the field of large-scale energy storage due to their high theoretical energy density and low cost of raw materials. However, the inherent low conductivity, notorious shuttling, and sluggish kinetics of cathode materials cause the loss of active substances and capacity delay, hindering the practical application of RT Na-S batteries. Owing to their low cost, variable oxidation states, and unsaturated d orbitals, transition metal (TM)-based catalysts have been extensively studied in circumventing the above shortcomings. Herein, the review first elaborates on the reaction mechanisms and current challenges of RT Na-S batteries. Subsequently, the role and function mechanism of TM-based catalysts (including single/dual atoms, nanoparticles, compounds, and heterostructures) in RT Na-S batteries are described. Specifically, based on the theories of electronic transfer and atomic orbital hybridization, the interaction mechanism between TM-based catalysts and polysulfides, as well as the catalytic performance, are systematically discussed and summarized. Finally, a discussion on the challenges and future research perspectives associated with TM-based catalysts for RT Na-S batteries is provided. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Batteries: Interface Science in Batteries)
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