Theme 3. Electrochemical Interfaces and Interphases
Understanding the dynamic boundary between active materials and electrolytes
The performance and lifetime of a battery are often governed by reactions occurring within only a few nanometers of the electrode surface. These interfacial regions continuously evolve through electrolyte decomposition, oxygen loss, transition-metal migration, surface reconstruction, and the formation of complex cathode–electrolyte interphases.
We investigate how the surface state of an active material interacts with electrolyte composition and how these reactions influence charge transfer, structural stability, and long-term degradation. Our objective is to move beyond separate descriptions of the cathode and electrolyte and understand their interface as a dynamic, coupled chemical system.
Keywords: cathode–electrolyte interface · CEI · electrolyte decomposition · surface reconstruction · oxygen loss · charge-transfer kinetics