What is Photovoltaics

Electrochemical applications had their first major impact in the late 20th century with the development of improved energy storage and conversion systems such as lithium-ion batteries, organic-inorganic dye-sensitized solar cells, and even e-ink displays. Depending on the requirements, the electrodes can be made of different materials, such as metal or alloy sheets, foils, bars or conductive ceramics, conductive polymers, etc. In this chapter, methods for surface functionalization and characterization of metallic and non-metallic surfaces used as electrode substrates are presented. The focus is on the use of metal foils in lithium-ion batteries and especially in the novel architecture of optoelectronic devices – from electrochromic and photovoltaic devices to biosensors.