Editorial on the Special Issue “Progresses in Electrochemical Energy Conversion and Storage—Materials, Structures and Simulation”—Towards Better Electrochemical Energy Conversion and Storage Technologies

Energy is at the heart of the sustainable development agenda, with an emphasis on efficient conversion and storage [1,2,3]. Thereinto, electrochemical energy plays a key role on the broad energy map [4]. In the dynamic and rapidly evolving landscape of electrochemical energy conversion and storage, the requirements for innovative materials, efficient structures, and accurate simulation models are more pertinent than ever [5,6]. It is with great pleasure that we introduce this Special Issue of Processes, aptly titled “Progresses in Electrochemical Energy Conversion and Storage—Materials, Structures and Simulation”. This collection of scholarly articles represents the forefront of research dedicated to enhancing the performance, reliability, and sustainability of energy systems. Various journals were involved in this Special Issue, and six papers were ultimately published in this Special Issue. Among them, three articles report the importance of lithium-ion battery thermal management, including the application of phase change materials (PCMs), new structures, and advanced simulation, respectively [7,8,9]. These studies try to provide valuable insights aimed at improving the high-powered thermal management system of lithium-ion batteries. Moreover, two articles focus on polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFC). One provides the optimal gas purging strategy of PEMFC under different electrochemical reaction intensities, which boosts cell performance [10], while another simulation study reveals the effect of material heat conductivity, which provides a reference for the future of using advanced anisotropic materials for PEMFC [11]. The last one studies the optimal electrode structure by a machine learning model coupled with a genetic algorithm, which stands for the potential for artificial intelligence to revolutionize material design and electrochemical engineering [12].

All of the articles mentioned above were determined following strict peer review. The papers featured in this Special Issue of Processes reflect the depth and breadth of current research in electrochemical energy conversion and storage. They showcase the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, innovative material development, and sophisticated simulation techniques in advancing the field. We are confident that the insights and breakthroughs presented herein will serve as a catalyst for further research and technological advancements.

On behalf of the editorial team, we extend our heartfelt thanks to the authors for their pioneering works and to the reviewers for their critical insights. We also express our gratitude to the readership for their continued interest and engagement with our journal.

As we look to the future, we remain committed to fostering a platform for the exchange of ideas and the dissemination of knowledge that drives progress in the field of electrochemical energy systems. We invite you to join us in celebrating the achievements highlighted in this Special Issue and to anticipate the ongoing evolution of this exciting area of research.