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Characterization of Electrode Materials for Lithium Ion and Sodium Ion Batteries Using Synchrotron Radiation Techniques
Published on: November 11, 2013
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Operando spectral imaging of the lithium ion battery's solid-electrolyte interphase
Jared J Lodico1,2, Matthew Mecklenburg2,3, Ho Leung Chan1,2
1Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
Science Advances
|July 12, 2023
Summary
This study visualizes lithium-ion battery reactions at the nanoscale using electron energy-loss spectroscopy. It reveals the growth of lithium dendrites within the solid-electrolyte interphase, offering insights into battery performance and safety.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Lithium-ion batteries are crucial for modern electronics and electric vehicles.
- Understanding their internal chemical reactions at high resolution is vital for improving performance and safety.
- Current imaging techniques struggle to provide nanoscale chemical specificity during battery operation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate operando spectrum imaging of Li-ion battery anodes.
- To achieve nanoscale spatial resolution and chemical specificity of battery reactions.
- To investigate the formation and composition of the solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI).
Main Methods:
- Operando electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS) within a scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM).
- Utilizing ultrathin Li-ion cells for high-resolution imaging.
- Acquiring reference EELS spectra to chemically fingerprint SEI constituents.
Main Results:
- Successfully mapped the physical structures and chemical composition of the SEI layer.
- Observed the growth of lithium (Li) and lithium hydride (LiH) dendrites within the SEI.
- Fingerprinted the SEI layer with high spatial and spectral resolution.
Conclusions:
- Operando EELS in STEM provides a direct route to study dynamic mechanisms in Li-ion batteries.
- This technique enables understanding of SEI formation, dendrite growth, and their impact on battery safety, capacity, and lifetime.
- High-resolution imaging of air-sensitive battery chemistries is now feasible.
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