Topic: Microstructure Modulation and Optimization of Aqueous Batteries

Electrochemical energy storage plays an indispensable role in sustaining consumer electronics, electric vehicles, and smart industry grids, serving as a cornerstone for a greener and more efficient future. The global shift toward low-carbon energy is driving up demand for advanced secondary batteries. Among these, aqueous electrolyte-based batteries are believed to play significant roles in large-scale energy storage due to their superior safety performances and potentially lower cost. Recent years have witnessed remarkable progress in the dynamic field, alongside the emergence of a multitude of innovative concepts for next-generation aqueous batteries, driven by microstructure modulation and optimization. Importantly, enhancing the performance of aqueous batteries by modulating and optimizing the microstructures of electrode materials, separators and electrolytes is highly desirable. 

This Special Issue will spotlight the development of advanced and sustainable aqueous battery technology while prompting the community to incorporate more new ideas and perspectives. It offers a thorough examination of material microstructure design, innovative surface modifications, novel electrolytes, strategic regulation of the electrode-electrolyte interface, and an in-depth mechanism exploration through advanced characterization techniques and theoretical studies.  We welcome original research articles and reviews. Topics of interest include but are not limited to:

● Aqueous sulfur-based batteries; 

● Aqueous sodium/potassium/zinc/aluminium-ion batteries;

● Aqueous dual-ion batteries;

● Aqueous ammonium-ion batteries;

● Metal-air batteries.