Welcome to ISPE-16 Yokohama!

Welcome to the 16th International Symposium on Polymer Electrolytes (ISPE-16). ISPE is a forum gathering scientists and engineers from around the world and showcases state-of-the-art research and development of next-generation energy storage and conversion devices such as lithium secondary batteries, electrochemical capacitors, fuel cells, and solar cells.

This year’s conference will mark the 30th anniversary since the first ISPE was held in St Andrews, UK, in 1987. The symposium has been mostly held biennially since, visiting 5 different continents and the following hosting venues: Siena, Italy (1989); Annecy, France (1991); Newport, Rhode Island, US (1994); Uppsala, Sweden (1996); Hayama, Kanagawa, Japan (1998); Noosa, Queensland, Australia (2000); Santa Fe, New Mexico, US (2002); Mrągowo, Poland (2004); Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil (2006); Ofir, Portugal (2008); Padua, Italy (2010); Selfoss, Iceland (2012); Geelong, Australia (2014); and again Uppsala, Sweden, in 2016. It is our great pleasure to bring ISPE back to Japan.

Presented research at ISPE pertains to advances in organic, inorganic and polymer chemistry that are relevant to the development of energy storage and conversion methods, with a special emphasis on green technologies. We hope to hold active discussions on topics ranging from fundamental characterization of novel materials to their performance, durability and safety of use in energy storage and conversion technologies. While innovative technologies have paved the way to more efficient electric vehicles and electric power storage, further research is needed for making replacement of fossil fuels a viable option across more areas of human endeavour. While proliferation of green(er) technologies should be our ultimate goal, we recognize that fundamental research, comprising synthesis, characterization, and performance optimization of new materials, remains indispensable. We expect that ISPE-16 will promote research leading to reduction of fossil fuel consumption and eventually reduction of CO₂ emissions, thus contributing to solutions of future environmental and energy problems.

We are looking forward to seeing you in Yokohama in 2018!