Advanced Battery Materials and Interfaces: A European Perspective

Alkali metal/ion batteries of the future call for discovery and design high-performance materials, components electrode│electrolyte interfaces as particularly complex domains which have seen major progress in past few years regarding novel battery advanced characterization techniques theoretical simulations/modelling capabilities. Battery interphases (solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) on anode related cathode (CEI) cathode) always been both a blessing limitation to development alkali-based due their complexity dynamics. This topical collection is devoted research materials concomitant highlighting main advantages limitations from experimental point view. In this spirit, contributions (six reviews, two perspectives eight articles) fifteen teams are well connected by unifying theme. Cekic-Laskovic Winter et al. summarize comprehensive knowledge gained thus far impact different liquid resulting formulations encountered at Si-based electrodes [https://doi.org/10.1002/admi.202101898]. second contribution, highlight still poorly understood decomposition chemistry in-depth physicochemical electrochemical properties CEI formation evolution positive electrode [https://doi.org/10.1002/admi.202102078]. Villevielle provides an overview study formed interphases, key parameters control fate during cycling ageing [admi.202101865]. Rojo present activities structure, composition, transport performance interface non-aqueous Na-ion [https://doi.org/10.1002/admi.202101773]. Palacin provide Ca Mg comprising solutions proper characterisation alongside modelling understand phenomena determining mechanisms plating/stripping processes [https://doi.org/10.1002/admi.202101578]. Diddens contribute with machine learning-enhanced multiscale models providing new pathways inverse desired [https://doi.org/10.1002/admi.202101734]. Dominko pitfalls opportunities impedance spectroscopy valuable tool lithium||sulfur discuss promising directions [https://doi.org/10.1002/admi.202101116]. Rolling unveil ions, molecules electrons across SEI considering possible results studies carbon-based electrodes. [https://doi.org/10.1002/admi.202101891]. Wieczorek article studying Hückel type salt NaTDI-based its behaviour against wet impregnated WI-NaNMC Prussian White cathodes [https://doi.org/10.1002/admi.202102012]. Berg report scheme competing electro-/chemical reactions behind result ethylene carbonate propylene reductions complementary operando gas (OEMS) mass deposition (EQCM-D) analysis [https://doi.org/10.1002/admi.202101258]. Brezesinski develop multi-element surface coating approach next-generation Ni-rich oxide enabling reduced transition-metal dissolution outgassing high SOCs, enhanced long-term lithium ion [https://doi.org/10.1002/admi.202101100]. Adelhelm application situ (operando) dilatometry descriptor charge storage sodium ions hard carbon [https://doi.org/10.1002/admi.202100596]. Elm straightforward, low-cost scalable dry process stabilization cathode│electrolyte NMC thiophosphate-based all-solid-state [https://doi.org/10.1002/admi.202101428]. Seidl unravel voltage-dependent oxidation poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)-based solid-state electrolytes out that increase energy density may be achieved either using low-voltage/high-capacity or protective coatings high-voltage prevent PEO [https://doi.org/10.1002/admi.202100704]. Titirici elucidation micro-mesoporous hard-carbon tailored porosity ether- organic carbonate-based combined [https://doi.org/10.1002/admi.202101267]. And last but not least, Stein insights into hierarchical laboratory automation orchestration modular autonomous feedback-loops science [https://doi.org/10.1002/admi.202101987]. It our anticipation fine will serve resource Advanced Materials Interfaces readers encouraging further field focus set understanding, control, functionalities/functions ultra-performant, smart sustainable alkali batteries. The authors declare no conflict interest. Isidora group leader Helmholtz-Institute Münster (HI MS) “Ionics Energy Storage” (IEK-12) institute branch Research Center Juelich. scope her design, functional safety lithium-based applications ranging synthesis all way interfacial electrochemistry processes. Complementary throughput experimentation methodologies accelerated generation abundant pertinent interface/interphase data entire lifetime battery. Martin has researching conversion 30 cell designs supercapacitors. He currently holds professorship “Materials Science, Electrochemistry” Institute Physical Chemistry Muenster University, Germany. scientific director MEET University founding MS, IEK-12)