Congratulations to the VISTECCEST research team on our latest Cover Feature in ChemSusChem

Congratulations to the VISTEC–CEST research team on our latest Cover Feature in ChemSusChem
“Moisture-Assisted Silylation Triggered by Silicone Adhesives: A Hidden Electrolyte Decomposition Mechanism in Supercapacitors”
DOI: Read the article here
This work uncovers a previously overlooked degradation mechanism in commercial-scale 18650 supercapacitors, revealing that silicone-based adhesives in Kapton tape are not chemically inert under practical operating conditions. Instead, under elevated voltage and trace moisture, they can trigger unexpected electrolyte decomposition reactions.
Key highlights of this work:
Discovery of moisture-assisted silylation reactions in supercapacitors
Identification of trimethylsilyl acetamide (TMSA) as a new electrolyte decomposition product
Evidence that silicone adhesives can act as hidden reactive components
Mechanistic insights using GC–MS, XRF, XPS, and electrochemical analyses
Demonstration that auxiliary materials can critically affect long-term device stability and safety
This study challenges the conventional assumption that non-electroactive components are chemically inert, emphasizing the importance of full-system material compatibility in practical energy-storage devices.
Congratulations to all co-authors and collaborators for this achievement and for advancing the fundamental understanding of degradation mechanisms in practical electrochemical energy-storage systems.
Special credit to Sukritta for the outstanding cover graphic design that beautifully visualizes the hidden degradation pathway and electrochemical phenomena behind this work.
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