Topic: Next Generation Polymers for Energy Applications
Guest Editor(s)
Prof. Jung Ho Kim
Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia.
Special Issue Introduction
With the emphasis on sustainable development goals, the development of high-performance energy conversion and storage devices is gaining increasing attention. Currently, the efficiency of fossil energy utilization is less than 30%, with most of it being released as waste heat. Therefore, it is vital to explore clean, renewable energy sources such as solar and wind energy. Additionally, thermoelectric devices, which can convert heat energy into electrical energy, are becoming increasingly important and have great potential for improving the utilization efficiency of traditional fossil fuels. Concurrently, related energy storage devices have also experienced rapid technological growth. In these technologies, polymers have garnered considerable interest due to their exceptional safety features and excellent performance. For example, many Donor-Acceptor (D-A) conjugated polymers have been shown to be excellent candidates for photothermal, thermoelectric and ferroelectric devices. Conducting polymers, as well as polymer-inorganic composites, are proving to be good solid electrolytes in various rechargeable batteries. Significantly, the intrinsic characteristics of polymers, including light weight, elasticity and flexibility, and durable adhesive/cohesive properties, make them promising in portable electronic energy devices. Furthermore, many polymers can be developed into functional photo-/electro-catalysts for energy conversion.
In light of these advancements, this Special Issue of Microstructures aims to highlight recent important progress in studies related to polymers for energy applications. Both original research and review articles are welcome. Areas of interest include but are not limited to:
● Polymer electrodes;
● Polymer electrolytes;
● Polymer separators;
● Polymer-based electrocatalysts;
● Polymer-based photocatalysts;
● Polymer-based solar cells;
● Polymer-derived electrodes;
● Polymers for wearable techniques;
● Photothermal polymers;
● Thermoelectric polymers.
In light of these advancements, this Special Issue of Microstructures aims to highlight recent important progress in studies related to polymers for energy applications. Both original research and review articles are welcome. Areas of interest include but are not limited to:
● Polymer electrodes;
● Polymer electrolytes;
● Polymer separators;
● Polymer-based electrocatalysts;
● Polymer-based photocatalysts;
● Polymer-based solar cells;
● Polymer-derived electrodes;
● Polymers for wearable techniques;
● Photothermal polymers;
● Thermoelectric polymers.
Submission Deadline
31 May 2025
Submission Information
For Author Instructions, please refer to https://www.oaepublish.com/microstructures/author_instructions
For Online Submission, please login at https://oaemesas.com/login?JournalId=microstructures&IssueId=M240719
Submission Deadline: 31 May 2025
Contacts: Caroline Zhang, Assistant Editor, assistant_editor@microstructj.com
