Functional Carbon Materials for Electrochemical Energy Storage and Conversion

Carbon materials have become pivotal in electrochemical energy storage and conversion technologies, which are essential for achieving sustainable and low-carbon energy systems. Recent advances in composition regulation, nanostructuring, interface engineering, and surface modification have positioned carbon materials at the forefront of research in batteries, supercapacitors, fuel cells, and metal–air systems. In particular, structural features such as hierarchical porosity, heteroatom doping, and defect engineering have demonstrated significant potential for improving electron transport, ion diffusion, and electrocatalytic activity. Despite these advances, major challenges remain in understanding interfacial reaction mechanisms, optimizing structure–property–performance relationships, scaling synthesis processes, and ensuring the sustainability of precursor materials. Addressing these challenges requires interdisciplinary approaches combining experimental characterization, computational modeling, and theoretical analysis to accelerate the development of high-performance electrochemical systems.This Research Topic aims to advance the understanding and development of functional carbon materials for next-generation electrochemical energy storage and conversion technologies. The objective is to explore innovative strategies for designing advanced carbon architectures with high conductivity, tunable porosity, large surface area, and enhanced electrochemical stability. Particular attention will be given to the influence of structural engineering on charge storage dynamics, reaction kinetics, and catalytic performance across various electrochemical devices. In addition, this Research Topic seeks contributions related to sustainable synthesis methods, scalable fabrication technologies, and hybrid composite materials that improve both performance and environmental compatibility. By bringing together expertise from materials science, chemistry, physics, and engineering, this collection aims to bridge fundamental research and practical applications in sustainable energy technologies.Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:• Development and optimization of porous and hierarchical carbon architectures;• Heteroatom-doped and defect-engineered carbon materials for enhanced conductivity and electrochemical activity;• Biomass-derived and sustainable carbon precursors for electrochemical energy storage applications;• Graphene, carbon nanotubes, and hybrid carbon composites for batteries and supercapacitors;• Carbon electrode materials for batteries, supercapacitors, and related electrochemical energy storage applications;• Advanced characterization techniques and computational modeling for mechanistic understanding;• Scalable synthesis and integration of functional carbon materials for electrochemical energy storage systems;• Electrochemical stability, charge transport mechanisms, and structure–performance relationships in functional carbon materials. Topic editors: Ramin Khezri, Shiva Rezaei Motlagh, REZA AFSHAR GHOTLI Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/81986/functional-carbon-materials-for-electrochemical-energy-storage-and-conversion