Spatially resolved operando X-ray diffraction for mapping heterogeneities in Li-ion single-layer pouch cells.
Ashok S Menon1,2, Stephen W T Price3,2, Muhammad Ans1,2
1WMG, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK. louis.piper@warwick.ac.uk.
Chemical Communications (Cambridge, England)
|September 23, 2025
Summary
This study uses operando synchrotron X-ray diffraction to observe lithium-ion battery material degradation in real-time. It quantifies structural changes from atomic to macroscopic scales, offering insights into battery longevity.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Battery Technology
Background:
- Electrochemical degradation impacts lithium-ion battery performance and lifespan across various scales.
- Understanding these degradation mechanisms is crucial for developing more durable batteries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate the utility of operando synchrotron X-ray diffraction for studying lithium-ion battery degradation.
- To map crystallographic structure evolution in real-time within a full cell.
- To quantify degradation processes from atomic to macroscopic levels.
Main Methods:
- Utilized operando synchrotron X-ray diffraction.
- Investigated a single-layer pouch full cell.
- Mapped component-specific crystallographic structure evolution in real-time.
Main Results:
- Successfully mapped the evolution of crystallographic structures during battery operation.
- Quantified structural degradation across multiple length scales.
- Provided real-time insights into degradation mechanisms.
Conclusions:
- Operando synchrotron X-ray diffraction is a powerful tool for in-situ analysis of lithium-ion battery degradation.
- This technique enables a comprehensive understanding of degradation from atomic to macroscopic scales.
- Findings contribute to the development of improved lithium-ion battery materials and designs.
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