Tutorial EN10: Interfaces in Energy Storage and Water-Energy Nexus Systems

This tutorial focuses on the fundamentals and applications of several interfaces in different systems, particularly electrode-electrolyte interfaces in energy storage and solid-liquid interfaces in water-energy systems. The first tutorial will provide a colloquial introduction to interface science in electrochemistry, and the central role played by interfaces and interphases in advanced batteries. The second tutorial will introduce global-scale challenges related to the water-energy nexus and then reveal how the properties of water/solid interfaces are interconnected with these challenges. Two invited speakers, Kang Xu, U.S. Army Research Laboratory, and Seth Darling, Argonne National Laboratory, will highlight examples of these interfaces in complex environments in addition to providing details on principles. The tutorial will therefore cover both fundamentals and frontier research, and emphasize the strategies to use proper tools for the study of interfacial science.

Interfacing Electrolytes in Batteries
Kang Xu, US Army Research Laboratory

This tutorial provides a colloquial introduction to the interface science in electrochemistry, and the central role played by interfaces and interphases in the advanced batteries. It will also cover the recent advances in the field of high energy battery chemistries and materials.

Interfaces in Water-Energy Systems
Seth B. Darling, Argonne National Laboratory

Interfaces between materials and water or aqueous fluids are central to the performance of almost all water-energy systems. In this tutorial, Darling will first introduce global-scale challenges related to the water-energy nexus and then reveal how the properties of water/solid interfaces are interconnected with these challenges. He will present various strategies that are used by researchers to manipulate interfacial properties, ranging from mussel-inspired dopamine chemistry to atomic layer deposition and related techniques. He will provide examples of applications implementing such approaches, including anti-fouling surfaces, catalytically active materials, membranes with unusual transport properties, selective sorbents, and photothermal systems for solar steam generation.