Call for papers
Advanced Microscopy of Energy Materials
Advanced microscopic characterization and data analysis are crucial for precisely designing and engineering new materials for energy-related processes. Comprehensive characterization techniques provide insight into the configuration, composition, and electronic state of complex material systems, as well as structural evolution during reaction processes. The goal of this special issue is to compile a selection of high-quality papers reflecting recent progress in using advanced EM techniques to design and understand the fundamental functionalities that cover multiple spatial and temporal scales.
Advanced microscopic characterization and data analysis play a crucial role in the precise design and engineering of new materials used in energy-related processes, such as energy storage and conversion, as well as revolutionary, energy-saving techniques. State-of-the-art electron microscopy methods provide local geometric and electronic structures at an atomic resolution. With 4D-STEM, different aspects of the structure can be directly related to the material's functionality. Following the successful Three-Country Microscopy Conference in 2025 in Karlsruhe (Germany), many presentations showcased the latest applications of advanced electron microscopy in battery technology, electrochemistry, and catalytic systems. We have selected some of these works, including contributions from the conference, to develop into full-length papers for this special issue, which aims to generate insights into the structure and function of materials for energy storage, conversion, and catalysis. Topics may include, but are not limited to, configurational structures, composition, and bonding at interfaces (e.g., electrolyte/electrode or gas phase/catalyst surface) to clarify charge transport, dynamics, cycling behavior, and aging/deactivation processes during electrochemical and catalytic reactions. This special issue will also focus on in situ and operando studies that attempt to capture the relevant functional state of energy materials and catalysts beyond isolated systems in a vacuum. Another focus will be on investigations that employ an embedded, multi-scale approach (in space and time) that allows one to link atomistic and collective dynamics. Furthermore, the large number of EM studies on highly active materials makes it clear that artifacts must be minimized and separated from genuine signals. Therefore, we also call for contributions regarding artifact-free preparation of relevant materials, efficient detection of various generated signals, and the correlative application of analytical methods. We also encourage the utilization and development of quantitative data analysis and machine learning. Studies on the impact of electron beams during in situ investigations of materials for energy-related or catalytic applications are also highly important. Despite the limited volume of this special issue, we hope it reflects recent progress in this rapidly growing interdisciplinary field utilizing advanced EM techniques to develop a wide scope of energy materials.
Executive Guest Editor
Prof. Dr. Di Wang
Organization*: Karlsruhe Nano Micro Facility, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
Institutional Email Address*: [email protected]
Co-Guest Editors
Prof. Dr. Ferdinand Hofer
Organization*: Institute of Electron Microscopy and Nanoanalysis (FELMI), Graz University of Technology, Steyrergasse 17, 8010 Graz, Austria
Institutional Email Address*: [email protected]
Prof. Dr. Ute Kaiser
Organization*: Central Facility of Electron Microscopy, Electron Microscopy Group of Material Science, University of Ulm, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081 Ulm, Germany
Institutional Email Address*: [email protected]
Manuscript Submission Deadline*: 31 May 2026
Manuscripts should be submitted using the editorial manager of the journal via https://www.editorialmanager.com/jmic/default.aspx. Authors should select the article type ‘VSI: Advanced Microscopy of Energy Materials’ during submission. The author guidance can be found at https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/micron/publish/guide-for-authors.
Special Issue Keywords:
Electron microscopy; electrochemistry; catalysis; in-situ; operando characterization; correlative characterization; Batteries