About this Research Topic

Background

Energy sustainability stands out as the paramount challenge of our century, demanding relentless efforts in the advancement of electrochemical technologies for clean energy conversion and storage. At the core of all electrochemical devices, ranging from large-scale stationary energy storage batteries to high-performance electric vehicle batteries and even portable and wearable electronics, lies the indispensable component known as the electrolyte.

The innovative evolution of electrolyte technology is the linchpin for the realization of next-generation electrochemical energy storage devices that can effectively cater to a diverse array of practical operational demands. These demands encompass crucial attributes like non-flammability, high power output, exceptional energy density, compatibility with real-world working conditions, flowing system designs, flexibility, arbitrary shape, and beyond. Consequently, this mandates a compelling call to action, prompting both fundamental and applied research efforts in this pivotal field.

Therefore, this Research Topic is exclusively devoted to Original Research articles, Perspectives, and Review articles that push the boundaries of electrolyte design for emerging electrochemical energy storage devices, extending beyond the realm of conventional Li-ion batteries. Our primary aim is to comprehensively explore a diverse array of themes, which encompass:

• Cutting-edge electrolyte systems for enhanced safety in metal ion batteries: (i) liquid electrolytes (e.g. water-in-salt, ionic liquid, deep eutectic solvent-based and, high-entropy electrolytes); (ii) semi-solid or gel electrolytes; (iii) solid state electrolytes.
• Tailored non-aqueous electrolytes for various battery types (e.g., Li-S, Li-air, Na-ion batteries).
• Advancements in aqueous and non-aqueous electrolytes for multivalent ion batteries (e.g., Zn, Al, Mg, Ca) and/or supercapacitors.
• Innovative electrolyte design for high-performance flow batteries.
• Solid and semi-solid electrolyte design for flexible and wearable energy storage systems.
• Mechanistic studies of electrode-electrolyte interfaces in emerging electrolyte systems.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Electrolyte, alkaline metal ion batteries, flow batteries, metal-air battery, multivalent ion batteries, supercapacitors, flexible and wearable devices, ionic liquid, deep eutectic solvent

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.

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