“Agentic Assistant for Materials Scientists,” by Ruozhu Feng, Yangang Liang, Tianzhixi Yin, Peiyuan Gao, and Wei Wang (ECS Interface 34(2), June 2025), is one of the year’s most-read feature articles. This innovative work showcases the potential of large language models (LLMs) as autonomous yet scientifically rigorous collaborators in materials science. By blending AI-driven function calling with experimental and computational tools, the authors pioneer a future where scientific inquiry gains speed and sophistication. It’s no surprise that this article has resonated widely—offering both a thought-provoking vision and concrete methods for the emerging age of agentic scientific automation. (more…)

A legacy of innovation and dedication in electrochemistry

Since joining The Electrochemical Society (ECS) as a member in 1984, Dr. Robert G. Kelly has exemplified what it means to be a pioneer in the field of electrochemistry. As Editor-in-Chief of ECS’s membership magazine, The Electrochemical Society Interface, since 2018, Dr. Kelly has been instrumental in shaping our community’s conversation and direction. His lifelong commitment to advancing scientific research, dynamic leadership at ECS, and extraordinary contributions to both academia and industry, truly deserve celebrating.

Prof. Kelly holds the prestigious titles of Associate Chair for Operations, AT&T Professor of Engineering, and Professor of Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Virginia (UVA) which he joined in 1990. As Co-Director of the Center for Electrochemical Science and Engineering, he leads innovative research projects that advance the fundamental understanding of electrochemical processes and translate into practical applications such as the development of embeddable corrosion micro-instruments and the use of microfabrication methods to study localized corrosion. His research has  contributed to significant advances in corrosion science and been pivotal in addressing real-world challenges such as corrosion in aging aircraft and infrastructure. (more…)

The spotlight is on Sanjay Choudhary and Scott Cushing for “Reports From the Frontier: The Need for a Better Understanding of Passive Films” in Volume 33 of The Electrochemical Society Interface. In the recent article, Dr. Choudhary addresses the pressing need for a deeper comprehension of how alloy composition and microstructure influence the development and distribution of chemical heterogeneities and crystallographic defects within passive films.

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Spotlight on Kody D. Wolfe, Ardavan Zanganeh, Richard N. Arthur, Jason P. Trembly, and Damilola A. Daramola for their article, “Considerations for Electrochemical Phosphorus Precipitation: A Figures of Merit Approach.” Electrochemical phosphorus precipitation (EPP) from wastewater is a promising emerging technology for recovering valuable nutrients. While there are significant advantages of EPP compared to traditional phosphorus recovery, large gaps in reported performance exist between EPP and industrial methods. Consult the current issue of ECS Interface to learn what the authors believe is the key to closing these gaps.

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Matthew Liu

William Tarpeh

Spotlight on Matthew Liu and William Tarpeh for their contribution to The Electrochemical Society Interface summer issue: “Reports from the Frontier: Electrifying Chemical Transformations and Separations to Valorize Wastewater Nitrogen.”

The authors address “…treating nitrogen as a resource to recover rather than simply a pollutant to remove aligns with the US National Academy of Engineering’s call to manage the nitrogen cycle, a challenge central to chemical manufacturing and ecosystem protection.” (more…)

Follow the ECS division, section, and student chapter news deadlines and submission guidelines to be considered for publication in ECS Interface 2023 issues.

2023 ECS Division, Section, and Student Chapter Submission Deadlines

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Special issue focuses on lithium-ion batteries and their impact on our lives

The ECS Interface fall 2022 issue is now available to read online. The issue is guest edited by Gary M. Koenig Jr. and Nian Liu.

As always, Interface Editor Rob Kelly invites you to enjoy the issue’s special features and news.

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Make time to meet Dr. Robert Kelly at the ECS Booth from 1730-1830h EDT on Monday, October 11, at the 242nd ECS Meeting in Atlanta, GA! Dr. Kelly is the esteemed Editor-in-Chief of The Electrochemical Society Interface, our “by members, for members” magazine. He is happy to share his wealth of knowledge on editing a membership magazine as well as his research on corrosion. (more…)

Special issue focuses on Diversity in Science

The ECS Interface spring 2022 issue is now available to read online. The issue on diversity in science is guest edited by Dr. Alice Suroviec, Dean of the School of Mathematics and Natural Science at Berry College

As always, Interface Editor Rob Kelly invites you to enjoy the issue’s special features and news.

Special Features

Addressing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Across Disciplines
by Alice H. Suroviec 

Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion in Our Professions: A Thin and Leaky Pipeline
by Christina Bock (more…)