The development of high energy density electrochemical energy storage is dependent upon the identification of new materials and new mechanisms. To date, the most successful electrochemical energy storage has been limited to intercalation of monovalent cations (protons, lithium) and one-electron (or fewer) redox reactions. The discovery of materials that exhibit energy storage via intercalation of multivalent ions such as magnesium or that allow for more than one-electron redox would dramatically increase energy density as well as expand the spectrum of electrochemical energy storage materials chemistry. Mechanistic understanding of multivalent processes is needed, in both non-aqueous and aqueous battery chemistries. Computational studies, in situ characterization techniques, well-characterized model systems, and new materials discoveries (both organic and inorganic) are required. Of particular interest are the roles of interfacial mechanisms, including ion solvation and charge-transfer processes, on reversibility and kinetics of multivalent charge storage in materials.

This symposium will highlight the latest advances in understanding multivalent electrochemical reactions, a topic that encompasses computational and experimental materials science, chemistry, physics, and engineering. The goal of this symposium is to provide a forum for the emerging mechanistic understanding of multivalent energy storage in different materials systems and the development of future energy storage chemistries.