Defect and structural evolution under high-energy ion irradiation informs battery materials design for extreme
Muhammad Mominur Rahman1, Wei-Ying Chen2, Linqin Mu1
1Department of Chemistry, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA.
Nature Communications
|September 12, 2020
Summary
Lithium-layered cathodes resist radiation damage better than sodium-layered cathodes due to defect formation. This research offers insights into designing robust battery materials for extreme environments.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Solid-State Physics
Background:
- Controlling defect evolution is key to optimizing battery material performance.
- Layered oxides are crucial for advanced battery applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate defect evolution and structural changes in Na- and Li-layered cathodes under irradiation.
- To understand the mechanisms behind radiation resistance in these materials.
Main Methods:
- In situ high-energy Kr ion irradiation combined with transmission electron microscopy.
- Experimental and theoretical analyses, including quantitative mathematical analysis of imaging data.
Main Results:
- Li-layered cathodes exhibit greater resistance to radiation-induced amorphization compared to Na-layered cathodes.
- Facile formation of Li-transition metal antisite defects in Li-layered cathodes underlies their enhanced stability.
- Defect clusters align along ion diffusion channels, influenced by dislocation loop formation.
Conclusions:
- Li-layered cathodes offer superior radiation tolerance for battery applications.
- Insights into defect dynamics are critical for designing battery materials for harsh environments.
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