The Physical Chemistry of Energy Storage

Energy storage spans numerous areas including batteries (traditional, solid-state, redox flow), capacitors, sustainable fuel generation (electrolysis, photoelectrolysis), and electrochemical energy utilization (fuel cells). In each of these technological areas, the fundamental chemical physics principles of energy transformation play a pivotal role in dictating efficiency, stability, and overall performance. At its core, the discipline explores the intimate interplay between chemical composition, structure, and physical behavior during performance in different device architectures. Whether optimizing electrode materials for enhanced energy density in batteries or designing efficient catalysts for electrolytic/fuel cells, a profound grasp of chemical physics is indispensable for driving innovation and progress in the multifaceted landscape of energy storage technologies. In this special issue, we invite researchers specializing in these domains to submit original research articles or comprehensive reviews focusing on significant and emerging energy storage topics of interest to the broader chemical physics community.