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Updated: Mar 6, 2026

Characterization of Electrode Materials for Lithium Ion and Sodium Ion Batteries Using Synchrotron Radiation Techniques
Published on: November 11, 2013
Tuning the Solid Electrolyte Interphase for Selective Li- and Na-Ion Storage in Hard Carbon
Fernando A Soto1, Pengfei Yan2, Mark H Engelhard2
1Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843-3122, USA.
Controlling solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) films enhances battery performance. Researchers designed selective SEI membranes for Li- and Na-ion batteries, enabling tunable ion transport and capacity control.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Battery Technology
Background:
- Solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) films are crucial for battery performance.
- Controllable SEI properties are highly desirable for advanced energy storage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate SEI formation on hard carbon in Li- and Na-ion batteries.
- To design stable SEI layers with tunable ionic transport properties.
- To demonstrate selective ion transport for battery applications.
Main Methods:
- Combined experimental and theoretical approaches.
- Electrode precycling in Li- and Na-based electrolytes.
- Electrolyte additive tuning and SEI preformation.
Main Results:
- Stable SEI layers were designed, enabling kinetic control of ionic transport.
- Selective SEI membranes were produced, allowing Li-ion transport while blocking Na-ion transport.
- Na-specific capacity was reduced to < 25 mAh g-1, and preferential Li-ion transport was demonstrated.
Conclusions:
- Electrochemical approaches can guide the preparation of ion-selective conductors.
- Tunable SEI layers offer a pathway for manipulating ion storage and battery performance.
- This study provides insights into designing advanced SEI films for next-generation batteries.
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