1. Could you explain the significance of your article to the non-specialist? 

In the search for new electrode materials for lithium-ion batteries, research has concentrated on developing inexpensive, environmentally benign, and safe materials that can also meet the demands of high-rate (ie, high power) devices. These are very exacting criteria that require new approaches to materials development. One approach is to design nanostructured composites that rely on multiple components working in synergy to achieve the target characteristics. Our article focusses on one such group of materials, specifically a class of lithium metal phosphates that have received much academic (and commercial!) interest recently. The significance lies in our developing an understanding of the factors that are important to develop good electrochemical performance via the nanostructured concept. We unravel the nature of various different surface composite materials and their contribution to overall conductivity of the composite, and the concepts that govern the transport of the current -carrying species within the material itself. 

2. What has motivated you to conduct this work?

We were prompted to try gain a deeper understanding of how to manipulate surface reactivity and improve ion and electron conductivity in these materials to enhance their electrochemical properties.

3. Where do you see this work developing in the future?

Towards a better understanding of those factors, and to the development of other new materials that rely on the nanostructured approach. New surface modification methods can be anticipated in the future, which will provide even better nanophase conductivity in insulating or poorly conductive materials. Consideration of the factors governing transport in the bulk may lead to methods by which solid solutions can be induced to form at room temperature through manipulation of the lattice energetics.

4. Are there any particular challenges facing future research in this area?

Design and control of the interfaces is certainly one significant challenge, as is optimizing the surface structure along with bulk structure and morphology.