Governing Ion Transport and Interfacial Stability: The electrode-electrolyte interface (EEI) is arguably the most critical yet least controllable region in electrochemical energy storage systems. At this interface, charge transfer, ion desolvation, and solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) or cathode electrolyte interphase (CEI) formation collectively govern the reversibility, rate capability, and longevity of the cell. Uncontrolled interfacial reactions consume active lithium, generate resistive byproducts, and trigger parasitic electrolyte decomposition, ultimately undermining both energy density and cycle life. Therefore, rational and precise control of the EEI is a prerequisite for realizing next-generation high-performance batteries. Multidimensional strategies have been proposed to engineer the EEI, including artificial SEI/CEI construction, electrolyte additive design, solvent coordination tuning, and surface coating of electrode materials, each targeting the suppression of detrimental side reactions while promoting fast and uniform ion transport across the interface.

Relevant publications

• Adv. Sci. 12, e05982 (2025)

Designing the Ionic Medium for Stable and Efficient Charge Transport : The electrolyte simultaneously contacts both electrodes, rendering its chemical composition and solvation structure pivotal to overall cell performance. Beyond ionic conduction, the electrolyte governs the thermodynamic and kinetic landscape of interfacial reactions, dictating SEI and CEI formation that ultimately determines cycle life, rate capability, and safety. The solvation chemistry of salt–solvent systems—coordination number, solvent activity, and ion pairing—directly modulates ion transport and the composition of interfacial decomposition products. Strategic manipulation through solvent selection, salt concentration, and additive design enables precise tuning of the electrochemical stability window and interfacial compatibility. Emerging concepts such as localized high-concentration electrolytes, weakly solvating solvents, and fluorinated systems have further expanded the design space, offering new handles to suppress parasitic reactions and enhance stability across diverse electrode chemistries. 

Relevant publications

• Adv. Mater. 38, e13832 (2026) "Featured as a Front Cover"

• J. Mater. Chem. A 14, 3888 (2026) "Featured as an Inside Back Cover"

• Adv. Mater. 37, 2412652 (2025)

• Adv. Energy Mater. 14, 2402293 (2024)

• J. Am. Chem. Soc. 146, 12984 (2024)

• ACS Appl. Energy  Mater. 4, 2922 (2021)

• J. Mater. Chem. A 7, 20325 (2019)

Harmonizing Active Materials, Binders, and Architecture for Structural Integrity: The composite electrode is a multicomponent system where active materials, conductive additives, and polymeric binders must function in concert to sustain electrochemical performance. Next-generation active materials—including high-capacity alloying-type anodes (Si, Sn, P), conversion-type anodes, and Ni-rich or Li-rich layered cathodes—deliver substantially higher energy density than conventional intercalation materials, yet inevitably suffer from severe structural deformation, phase transitions, and parasitic interfacial reactions upon cycling. Addressing these intrinsic limitations demands atomic-scale compositional and structural design of active materials themselves. Concurrently, polymeric binders must evolve beyond passive adhesives into multifunctional stress-dissipating agents that redistribute mechanical loads across the electrode, preserve electrical and ionic pathways, and direct the formation of stable interfacial films on both anode and cathode surfaces. This requirement is further amplified in thick electrodes targeting high areal capacity, where steep electrolyte concentration gradients and cumulative stress fields render conventional binders (CMC, SBR, PVDF, PAA) wholly inadequate. Ultimately, the rational architecturing of composite electrodes—encompassing particle-level design, binder network engineering, and pore structure optimization—is essential to translate the intrinsic merits of next-generation materials into practically viable, high-energy, and long-lived battery systems. 

Relevant publications

• Acc. Chem. Res. 56, 2213 (2023) "Featured as a Front Cover"

• Energy Storage Mater. 36, 139 (2021)

• Chem. Eng. J. 527, 171667 (2026)

• Adv. Funt. Mater. 35, e09445 (2025)

• Adv. Sci. 12, 2417243 (2025)

• Energy Storage Mater. 65, 103176 (2024)

• Adv. Mater. 35, 2306157 (2023)

• Adv. Funct. Mater. 33, 2213458 (2023) "Featured as a Front Cover"

• Adv. Funct. Mater. 30, 1908433 (2020)

• Nature Commun. 10, 2351 (2019)

• Nature Commun. 9, 2924 (2018)

• Science 357, 250 (2017)