Rechargeable, Ambient-Stable Li-Ion Probe toward In Situ TEM for Electrochemical Dynamics

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are crucial for energy storage, but understanding electrode microstructural evolution during cycling is limited.
• Lithium metal anodes offer high energy density but require better characterization of their dynamic behavior.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel rechargeable lithium-ion probe for *in situ* transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis.
• To enable real-time visualization of (de)lithiation processes in battery electrodes.

Main Methods:

• Development of a robust Li-ion probe compatible with electron beam irradiation and ambient conditions.
• Application of the probe under galvanostatic conditions for *in situ* TEM imaging.
• Analysis of both lithiophilic (LiAu3) and lithiophobic (Ni) electrodes.

Main Results:

• The Li-ion probe successfully visualized (de)lithiation processes in real-time.
• The probe demonstrated functionality and stability under repeated *in situ* TEM measurements.
• The tool is adaptable for various battery components, including cathodes, anodes, and current collectors.

Conclusions:

• The developed Li-ion probe provides critical insights into electrode microstructure-electrochemical behavior interplay.
• This versatile tool advances battery characterization techniques for energy storage research.
• It lays the groundwork for understanding lithium-based electrode dynamics during prolonged cycling.