Structure-Effect Relationship of Electrochemical Energy Storage

Electrochemical energy storage systems with high efficiency of storage and conversion are crucial for renewable intermittent energy such as wind and solar. [,, ] Recently, various new battery technologies have been developed and exhibited great potential for the application toward grid scale energy storage and electric vehicle (EV).

The stability and safety, as well as the performance-governing parameters, such as the energy and power densities of electrochemical energy storage devices, are mostly decided by the electronegativity, electron conductivity, ion conductivity, and the structural and electrochemical stabilities of the electrode materials. 1.6.

In principle, energy is stored electrochemically via two processes known as the faradaic and non-faradaic processes. The faradaic process is also known as the direct method, in which electric energy is stored by converting it into chemical energy via the oxidation and reduction of an electrochemically active material.

With continuous advancement of electron microscopy techniques, the in-situ detection capabilities are anticipated to further improve nanoscale and atomic-scale resolution and reveal new insights into fundamental correlation of the dynamic interfacial structures with the electrochemical energy storage performances in practical applications.

In electrode materials, chemical energy is stored in the chemical bonds between elements, and is referred to as chemical potential. During an electrochemical reaction, chemical energy is converted into electric energy by the conversion of a material with high bond energy to one with low bond energy.

The ability to control the electrode interfaces in an electrochemical energy storage system is essential for achieving the desired electrochemical performance. However, achieving this ability requires an in-depth understanding of the detailed interfacial nanostructures of the electrode under electrochemical operating conditions.