Brett Lucht is a professor of chemistry at the University of Rhode Island, where his research focuses on organic materials chemistry. Lucht’s research includes the development of novel electrolytes for lithium-ion batteries and other efforts to improve the performance of electrolytes for electric vehicles. Lucht has recently been named associate editor for the Journal of The Electrochemical Society.
The Electrochemical Society: What do you hope to accomplish in your new role as associate editor?
Brett Lucht: I hope to improve the prestige of the journal. While the Journal of The Electrochemical Society is the oldest journal of electrochemical science, competition from other journals has become fierce. The Electrochemical Society is the largest scientific organization focused on electrochemistry and ECS meetings are very well attended. Thus publishing electrochemical research in the Journal of The Electrochemical Society should be the most prestigious place to publish.
ECS: Why should authors publish in ECS journals?
BL: The Journal of The Electrochemical Society has been in continuous production since 1902—115 years. While many new journals come and go, they are frequently focused on narrow topics which fluctuate in importance. Publications in the Journal of The Electrochemical Society will last the test of time. In my area of research, lithium-ion batteries, many new journals are publishing research in this area. However, many of the fundamental research articles providing the foundation for this field were published in the Journal of The Electrochemical Society.
ECS: How important is access to scientific knowledge?
BL: Access to knowledge is one of the founding principles of science. The development of science cannot be conducted by one individual or one research group. It requires the interaction between multiple scientists with different backgrounds and different ways of thinking. Having ready access to published science is a prerequisite for the development of good science.
ECS: What role does electrochemistry have in solving some of society’s most pressing issues?
BL: One of the most pressing issues for society today is climate change. Electrochemistry is a critical component in our efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the burning of fossil fuels. In the transportation section, electric vehicles offer a significant reduction in our carbon footprint. Large scale electrochemical energy storage is critical for the integration of more renewable energy into the grid.
