Polymers as Next-generation Energy Materials: Concepts, Synthesis, Functionalization and Applications

The rapid global transition toward sustainable and renewable energy systems is driving an urgent need for advanced materials that combine high efficiency, long-term durability, and scalable manufacturing. Within this landscape, polymers have emerged as compelling candidates for next-generation energy technologies due to their structural versatility, tunable physicochemical properties, lightweight nature, and cost-effective processing. As energy and climate challenges intensify, increasing emphasis is also being placed on materials and fabrication routes that reduce environmental impact. In this context, polymer-based materials are being actively developed as key components in energy storage and conversion devices, including batteries, capacitors and supercapacitors, and photovoltaic systems.This Research Topic aims to serve as a forum for researchers from academia and industry working at the interface of polymer science and energy technologies. Modern electrochemical and photophysical devices demand materials with high electronic and/or ionic conductivity, robust mechanical integrity, chemical and electrochemical stability, and compatibility with practical operating conditions. Through rational synthesis, molecular engineering, and functionalization strategies, polymers offer unique opportunities to control bulk properties and interfacial behavior—often enabling performance and safety improvements that are difficult to achieve with conventional inorganic materials alone.Polymer electrolytes (solid, gel, and hybrid), conducting and redox-active polymers, functional binders, separators, coatings, and polymer-based composites have demonstrated strong potential to improve device performance, stability, and operational lifetime. Continued progress in polymer chemistry, polymer physics, and interfacial science has also accelerated the development of multifunctional polymer platforms that can act as electrolytes, electrodes, separators, binders, or protective interlayers, and that support flexible, lightweight, and mechanically resilient device architectures. Importantly, polymer-enabled strategies can facilitate scalable processing routes (e.g., solution processing, printing, roll-to-roll manufacturing) and contribute to sustainability goals through the use of recyclable materials, benign solvents, and life-cycle-aware design.The scope of this Research Topic includes original research articles, reviews, and short communications that advance fundamental understanding and technological implementation of polymer-based energy materials. Submissions are encouraged on topics including, but not limited to: polymer synthesis and functionalization; structure–property and structure–performance relationships; ion transport and charge-transfer mechanisms; polymer–electrode/electrolyte interfaces; polymer composites and hybrid materials; and durability under realistic operating conditions. Particular emphasis is placed on polymer materials and architectures for batteries, supercapacitors/capacitors, and photovoltaic devices, as well as cross-cutting studies that connect materials design with device engineering.In addition to materials development, contributions addressing scalable manufacturing, sustainability, recyclability, and life-cycle assessment of polymer-based energy systems are welcome. By bringing together insights from chemistry, materials science, electrochemistry, physics, and engineering, this Research Topic seeks to accelerate innovation in efficient, reliable, and sustainable energy devices and to help bridge the gap between fundamental polymer research and practical energy applications. Topic editors: Rudramani Tiwari, Achchhe Lal Saroj, Krishna Kumar Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/78661/polymers-as-next-generation-energy-materials-concepts-synthesis-functionalization-and-applications