The summer 2011 issue of Interface is dedicated to the topic of electrodeposition utilized for the purpose of energy conversion. This editorial introduces the contents of this issue. In addition to three topical articles a Chalkboard column explains how electrodeposition may exploit the atomic interaction between adatoms and the substrate, to build up materials layer by layer. The topical articles deal with (1) how electrodeposition can be used to fabricate micro- and nano-scale batteries, (2) strategy of making catalysts with ultra-low platinum loading, and (3) possibility to use electrodeposition in the production of photovoltaic devices.