Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 7, 2025
Characterization of Electrode Materials for Lithium Ion and Sodium Ion Batteries Using Synchrotron Radiation Techniques
Published on: November 11, 2013
In situ X-ray spatial profiling reveals uneven compression of electrode assemblies and steep lateral gradients in
John S Okasinski1, Ilya A Shkrob2, Andrew Chuang1
1X-ray Science Division, Advanced Photon Source, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, Illinois 60439, USA.
Abstract:
Coin cells are used extensively as test devices in battery research for evaluation of new materials and optimization of cycling protocols. In this study, in situ X-ray diffraction profilometry is used to characterize spatial distribution of the active materials, lithiation, and phase distribution in electrodes of NCM523/graphite coin cells. The X-ray data indicate uneven areal compression of the electrode assembly in such cells, which we trace to a specific design feature that leads to elastic deformation of a metal spacer. Steep lithiation gradients observed in the electrodes imply radially-dependent resistivity, for which uneven compression of the separator is a likely cause. Electrochemical model calculations suggest that variable porosity of the polymer separator would account for the salient features of spatial profiles observed in these coin cells.
