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Although lithium, and other alkali ion, batteries are widely utilized and studied, many of the chemical and mechanical processes that underpin the materials within, and drive their degradation/failure, are not fully understood. Hence, to enhance the understanding of these processes various ex situ, in situ and operando characterization methods are being explored. Recently, electrochemical atomic force microscopy (EC‐AFM), and related techniques, have emerged as crucial platforms for the versatile characterization of battery material surfaces. They have revealed insights into the morphological, mechanical, chemical, and physical properties of battery materials when they evolve under electrochemical control. This critical review will appraise the progress made in the understanding batteries using EC‐AFM, covering both traditional and new electrode–electrolyte material junctions. This progress will be juxtaposed against the ability, or inability, of the system adopted to embody a truly representative battery environment. By contrasting key EC‐AFM literature with conclusions drawn from alternative characterization tools, the unique power of EC‐AFM to elucidate processes at battery interfaces is highlighted. Simultaneously opportunities for complementing EC‐AFM data with a range of spectroscopic, microscopic, and diffraction techniques to overcome its limitations are described, thus facilitating improved battery performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs) are a promising replacement for the fossil fuel–dependent automotive and energy sectors. They have become increasingly commercialized in the last decade; however, significant limitations on durability and performance limit their commercial uptake. Catalyst layer (CL) design is commonly reported to impact device power density and durability; although, a consensus is rarely reached due to differences in testing conditions, experimental design, and types of data reported. This is further exacerbated by aspects of CL design such as catalyst support, proton conduction, catalyst, fabrication, and morphology, being significantly interdependent; hence, a wider appreciation is required in order to optimize performance, improve durability, and reduce costs. Here, the cutting‐edge research within the field of PEFCs is reviewed, investigating the effect of different manufacturing techniques, electrolyte distribution, support materials, surface chemistries, and total porosity on power density and durability. These are critically appraised from an applied perspective to inform the most relevant and promising pathways to make and test commercially viable cells. This holistic view of the competing aspects of CL design and preparation will facilitate the development of optimized CLs, especially the incorporation of novel catalyst support materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]