In today's energy context, electrochemical energy storage plays a key role in facilitating electric mobility and the development of renewable energies. This sector is in a constant state of emulation, with notable advances being made time and again. I've previously covered some of these advances through Li-ion, Na-ion, Li(Na)-air, Li-S and even multivalent ion technologies (Ca, Mg).
A common denominator in all these technologies is the electrolyte, which is of vital importance as it determines the range of operating potentials of the battery, and therefore its energy density if its thermal and electrochemical stability is controlled. Closely associated with electrolytes are interface problems, which are at the root of battery failure, particularly in terms of safety, durability and calendar life. They are an electrochemist's nightmare. These are the two aspects covered in this lecture, which not only lays the foundations for understanding existing technologies, but also describes re-emerging technologies such as Redox-Flow and all-solid electrolyte batteries, which are currently attracting a great deal of media attention.
This lecture has been supplemented by presentations on other storage and conversion systems, including capacitive storage and electrocatalysis, to illustrate the complexity of mastering interfaces despite the development of new analysis techniques, some of which will be described. The impact of this research on tomorrow's industry and economy, particularly in the field of electric vehicles, was also discussed. Each of these seminars was held by experts from different academic sectors (Bordeaux, Toulouse, Rennes, Amiens, Paris) and from the industrial sector for one of them (IFP).