Although carbon has a long history of use in electrochemical devices, the realization of further benefits that it may provide to advancing the electrochemical conversion and storage of energy continues to attract major research interest. Accordingly, in recognition of the value of carbon in enhancing the performance of various types of battery, fuel cells and supercapacitors, the Journal of Power Sources has commissioned a series of specialist reviews on the following topics.1.The role of carbon in fuel cells.2.Graphite and carbon powders for electrochemical applications.3.The role of carbon in valve-regulated lead–acid battery technology.4.Carbon properties and their role in supercapacitors.5.Hydrogen storage by carbon materials.6.Carbon in lithium batteries.The first of these reviews appears at the front of this issue of the Journal and the remainder will follow accordingly. It is hoped that these contributions will stimulate further research and ‘cross-fertilization’ of ideas between groups who are actively engaged in progressing different types of electrochemical power source. The role of carbon in fuel cells. Graphite and carbon powders for electrochemical applications. The role of carbon in valve-regulated lead–acid battery technology. Carbon properties and their role in supercapacitors. Hydrogen storage by carbon materials. Carbon in lithium batteries.