E5) Surfaces and Interfaces in Solid Oxide Cells and Batteries: Advanced Materials and Circular Design for Sustainable Energy

This symposium focuses on the critical roles of surface and interfacial phenomena in governing performance, stability, and sustainability in two major electrochemical energy technologies: solid oxide cells (SOCs), encompassing both fuel cells and electrolyzers, and rechargeable batteries, including lithium-based and emerging solid-state systems.

By uniting these traditionally distinct communities, the symposium creates a unique platform to explore shared scientific challenges and accelerate innovation through cross-disciplinary strategies. In particular, the program will emphasize the convergence of advanced materials engineering, interface physics, and circular design principles to drive sustainable energy conversion and storage.

I. Solid Oxide Cells (SOCs) Focus

• Interfacial ionic/electronic transport phenomena (e.g., O^2- and H⁺ mobility)
• Thin-film and micro-scale SOC architectures for low-temperature operation
• Interface-induced degradation: dopant segregation, phase instability
• Modelling and prediction using DFT, MD, KMC, and AI-assisted frameworks

II. Batteries Focus

• Solid-electrolyte interphases (SEI) and cathode–electrolyte interfaces
• Surface modification and coating strategies for improved stability in both liquid and solid-state batteries
• AI-guided design of interfaces for enhanced cycle life and safety
• Interface engineering for recyclability and circular economy compatibility

III. Cross-Cutting Themes

• Advanced Characterization: In situ and operando probing of interfaces using synchrotron X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), cryo-TEM, neutron scattering, and spectroscopy techniques
• Nanostructuring and Thin-Film Engineering: Coatings, heterointerfaces, and 3D-architectures to tune interfacial kinetics
• Data-Driven Design: Integration of machine learning and computational screening for accelerated interface discovery and optimization
• Sustainability and Circularity: Interfacial strategies that enhance device longevity, minimize critical materials usage, and enable more efficient recycling pathways

Target Audience and Impact

The symposium welcomes contributions from materials scientists, electrochemists, computational modelers, data scientists, and industry experts. It aims to stimulate dialogue across domains, promote early-career engagement, and foster collaborative solutions for next-generation energy systems. By highlighting interfaces as the linchpin of both performance and sustainability, the symposium directly supports ICMAT’s focus on Advanced Technologies for a Sustainable Future.