Topic: Key Materials for New-type Secondary Batteries

The rapid evolution of secondary battery technologies is fundamentally driven by breakthroughs in key materials. Beyond conventional lithium-ion batteries, emerging systems such as sodium-ion, potassium-ion, zinc-ion, calcium-ion and sodium‑sulfur batteries offer promising pathways toward cost-effective, safe, and high-energy energy storage solutions. However, the practical deployment of these next-generation batteries hinges on the development of advanced functional materials capable of meeting stringent performance requirements. Among these, electrolytes play a decisive role in determining operational voltage windows, temperature tolerance, interfacial stability, and safety. While cathode and anode materials must be engineered to deliver high capacity, structural stability, and compatibility with their respective electrolytes.

This Special Issue aims to present cutting-edge research and comprehensive reviews on the design, synthesis, characterization, and application of critical materials across a wide range of battery chemistries. We welcome contributions addressing not only lithium‑based systems but also sodium‑ion, potassium‑ion, zinc‑ion, calcium-ion, and sodium‑sulfur batteries. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

● Anode materials;

● Cathode materials;

● Liquid electrolytes;

● Solid electrolytes;

● Binders;

● Separators;

● Electrode/electrolyte interface;

● Electrochemical mechanisms;

● In-situ and ex-situ characterizations;

● Theoretical modeling;

● Fabrication techniques.

lithium batteries, sodium-ion batteries, potassium-ion batteries, aqueous batteries, calcium metal batteries, sodium‑sulfur batteries, magnesium battery, cathode materials, anode materials, electrolytes, electrolyte additives, binders, separators