The rapid growth of electric mobility, renewable energy integration, and portable electronics has created an urgent demand for batteries with higher energy density, improved safety, longer cycle life, and reduced environmental impact. Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are currently dominating the energy storage market; however, their performance is increasingly restricted by material limitations, e.g. interfacial instability, degradation mechanisms, and safety concerns at high operating voltages. Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive materials engineering approach that goes beyond individual components and focuses on the coupled behaviour of electrodes, electrolytes, and their interfaces. Furthermore emerging chemistries such as sodium-ion are seeing an increasing number of applications, although mostly for stationary applications.

This research topic aims to advance lithium and sodium-ion battery technology through the rational design and integration of next-generation batteries, with a strong effort on interface and polymer engineering. Key objectives include stabilising the metal anode through artificial interphases, developing high-energy/high-voltage cathode materials with improved structural and electrochemical stability employing novel polymer binders, and designing advanced gel or solid electrolytes compatible with such cathode. Understanding and controlling the solid–electrolyte interphase (SEI) and cathode–electrolyte interphase (CEI) are central to this effort, as these nanoscale layers drive battery efficiency, cycle life, and failure. By combining advanced polymer synthesis, interfacial characterization and electrochemical testing, this research topic provides a coherent framework for both fundamental discoveries and applied innovations.