What if the key to longer-lasting, more efficient energy storage lies in how we test the materials at its core? 

In a newly published article in ECS Advances, Mike L. Perry and N. Harsha Attanayake tackle one of the most critical—and often overlooked—challenges in redox flow battery (RFB) development: membrane durability. Their work introduces a comprehensive and forward-thinking screening process designed to identify degradation pathways before they become costly, long-term failures. 

Membrane durability 

Traditionally, membrane testing has focused on chemical stability in highly oxidizing environments. But as Perry and Attanayake reveal in “Screening Process for Assessing the Stability of Advanced Redox-Flow-Battery Membranes,” that’s only part of the story. Their proposed framework expands the lens, offering a suite of accelerated and highly sensitive tests that uncover lesser-known degradation mechanisms—helping researchers predict performance over decades, not just months.  (more…)

Ya-Hsiang Tai, Chih-Chung Tu, Jia-Wei Fan, Yu-Sian Lin, Wang-Wei Ko, and Hsueh-Shih Chen present a compelling study of lead sulfide (PbS) quantum dot (QD)–based phototransistors designed for short-wave infrared (SWIR) thermal sensing. Published on February 19, 2026, this work provides a thoughtful comparison between 940 nm and 1600 nm PbS QD devices within a gap-type metal–semiconductor–metal (MSM) architecture. 

Tunable bandgap engineering influences device performance 

A powerful demonstration of how tunable bandgap engineering can meaningfully influence device performance is at the heart of this ECS Journal of Solid State Science and Technology article The 1600 nm PbS QD device, benefiting from its narrower bandgap and stronger IR absorption, achieved a lower detectable temperature threshold and a linear photocurrent–temperature response above 150 °C. In contrast, the 940 nm device required temperatures exceeding 300 °C but offered a dramatically faster response time 157 μs compared to 13.21 s for the 1600 nm device.  (more…)

In an era where energy storage defines the pace of technological progress, breakthroughs in battery science are not just academic; they are transformative. A compelling new article by Jan Haß, Jonas Görtz, Janik Hense, and Andreas Jupke, published on IOPscience, offers deep insights into cutting-edge developments shaping the next generation of electrochemical systems.

A pivotal challenge in battery technology

“Reaction Protocol for the Electro-Oxidation of Ethylene Glycol on Gold in PET Upcycling,” featured research  in the Journal of The Electrochemical Society (JES)—one of the most respected journals in the field—addresses a pivotal challenge in battery technology. The work explores advanced materials and mechanisms that could significantly enhance how energy is stored and delivered in lithium-based systems. While lithium ion batteries already power everything from smartphones to electric vehicles, scientists are constantly pushing boundaries to improve efficiency, durability, and safety—goals that are crucial for sustainable energy solutions and broader electrification efforts. (more…)

(Click to enlarge)

In their recent ECS Sensors Plus article, authors Leyllanne K. A. Souza, Maxwell D. Bridges, Thaisa A. Baldo, Wendell K. T. Coltro, and Charles S. Henry introduce an innovative and accessible approach to wearable biosensing by transforming a simple adhesive bandage into a high-performance electrochemical sensor.

Delivering low-cost, non-invasive, real-time health monitoring

As demand grows for non-invasive, real-time health monitoring, sweat has emerged as a valuable biofluid for tracking physiological biomarkers. In this study, researchers developed a flexible sensing platform using laser-induced graphene (LIG), a porous, conductive material created through laser processing, and transferred it onto a commercial adhesive bandage. The result is a lightweight, skin-conformal sensor capable of detecting key metabolites directly from sweat. (more…)

New from the President in the winter 2025 issue of ECS Interface

In “From the President: Advocating for Science = Positively Affecting the World,” ECS President James (Jim) Fenton reflects on the critical role science advocacy plays in shaping a brighter, more equitable future for all.

In a time when science and technology are at the forefront of global progress, this thoughtful piece highlights how each of us—whether you’re a researcher, educator, student, or industry partner—can contribute to positive change by championing science in our communities and beyond. (more…)

An exciting, cutting-edge contribution to the scholarly record—“Electrochemically Induced Deposition (ECiD) of Lithium Phosphate and the Effect of Reaction Parameters” by Ali Amir Saleh, Louis L. De Taeye, Sai Gourang Patnaik, Genis Vanheusden, and Philippe Vereecken—features in the March issue of ECS Advances.

Tailoring ECiD processes for desired outcomes

This open-access article dives into a versatile electrochemical approach for synthesizing thin films of lithium phosphate on conductive surfaces via electrochemically induced deposition (ECiD)—a method with broad relevance for materials that are traditionally challenging to deposit electrochemically. By combining experimental investigation with numerical modelling, the authors illuminate how reaction conditions like current density, pH, and electrolyte composition shape the deposition mechanism and resulting material morphology. Their insights advance understanding of how to tailor ECiD processes for desired outcomes, knowledge that will benefit researchers across electrochemistry, energy materials, and solid state science. (more…)

(Click to enlarge)

Recent advances in III-nitride heterostructures continue to push the boundaries of high-frequency and high-power device performance. A new study, “Demonstrating the Effects of Growth Temperatures of Al(In)GaN Back Barrier on Transport Properties of InAlGaN/GaN Heterostructures,” takes a close look at how carefully tuning growth conditions can directly shape electronic behavior at the nanoscale.

In this article, the authors—Hoang-Tan-Ngoc Nguyen, Rahul Rai, Quoc-Huy Nguyen, Quoc Viet Hoang, Ngoc Quang Huy Dinh, Chan-Yuen Chang, Chien-Wei Chen, You-Chen Weng, Hao-Chung Kuo, Ching-Ting Lee, and Edward-Yi Chang—investigate how the growth temperature of an Al(In)GaN back barrier fabricated using metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) influences the structure and performance of InAlGaN/GaN heterostructures. By minimizing the temperature gap between the channel and back barrier layers, the researchers achieved highly coherent growth with smooth surfaces, sharp interfaces, and no detectable threading dislocations. These structural improvements translated into measurable performance gains: higher electron mobility, reduced sheet carrier density, and stronger electron confinement. (more…)

ECS Advances is pleased to highlight a recent article that makes an important contribution to the understanding of high-temperature electrochemical processes: “Evaluating Platinum, Gold, Glassy Carbon, and Graphite Anodes for Chlorine Evolution in Molten Calcium Chloride Salt.” Authored by Cameron Vann, Shelssie Klvacek, Carlos Mejia,  and Devin Rappleye, this work provides timely and practical insights into materials selection for chlorine evolution under extreme conditions.

The chlorine evolution reaction (CER) in molten calcium chloride (CaCl₂) carries several critical technologies, including chlorination, metal refining, rare earth processing, and the treatment and purification of used nuclear fuel. Despite its importance, long-term anode stability and performance in molten salt environments remain persistent challenges. This study directly addresses those challenges through a systematic comparison of four commonly considered anode materials: platinum, gold, glassy carbon, and graphite. (more…)