Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 7, 2026

In Situ Neutron Powder Diffraction Using Custom-made Lithium-ion Batteries
Published on: November 10, 2014
In situ Studies of Electrochemical Energy Conversion and Storage Technologies: From Materials, Intermediates, and
Xing Chen1,2, Yu-Lin Sun1, Xiu-Mei Lin3,4
1College of Energy, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, iChEM, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Materials, School of Life Sciences, College of Physical Science and Technology, and Discipline of Intelligent Instrument and Equipment, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, People's Republic of China.
Abstract:
Escalating global energy demands and climate urgency necessitate advanced electrochemical energy conversion and storage technologies (EECSTs) like electrocatalysis and rechargeable batteries. Improving their performance relies on elucidating reaction mechanisms and structure-performance relationships via in situ studies. This review summarizes recent in situ studies of EECSTs through a variety of advanced characterization techniques aiming at mapping reaction pathways for the rational design of overall high-performance reaction systems. We outline the principles, capabilities, advantages, and limitations of various in situ techniques. Their applications in in situ studies of fuel cells, water/CO2 electrolysis, and lithium batteries are highlighted with representative examples. These studies enable dynamic tracking of chemical and structural evolution of overall reaction systems, including materials, intermediates, products, and surroundings during operation, providing insights critical to rational system design. Future advancements will involve integrating multimodal in situ/operando approaches with artificial intelligence to enable real-time monitoring at practical scales. Such integration promises precise mechanistic insights and robust structure-performance correlations, ultimately accelerating the development of high-performance EECSTs aligned with sustainability and market requirements.
Related Concept Videos
Interfacial Electrochemical Methods: Overview
Electrogravimetric Analysis: Overview
To test the completeness of the...
Electrochemistry: Overview
Electrodeposition
Electrodeposition can...
Voltammetry: Factors Affecting Measurements
Voltammograms: Overview
Shapes of Voltammograms

