Application of Alternating Current Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy in Lithium‐Ion Batteries: Local Visualization of the Electrode Surface

Abstract

The electrode surface of aqueous lithium‐ion batteries has been studied with alternating‐current scanning electrochemical microscopy (AC‐SECM), which enables the visualization of microscopic domains with different topography. An equivalent circuit was proposed to analyze the appropriate frequency for the interface image. In addition, AC signals (impedance, current, and phase shift) and measurement conditions, including the tip position, step size, and excitation voltage amplitude, were discussed and statistically treated to optimize the interface visualization parameter. This work not only provides some fundamental knowledge for obtaining high‐resolution AC‐SECM images of the electrode surface in lithium‐ion batteries, but also paves way for the solid electrolyte interphase studies in other battery systems.

Understanding the Conductive Carbon Additive on Electrode/Electrolyte Interface Formation in Lithium-Ion Batteries via in situ Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy

“…All the electrochemical cyclic voltammetry (CV) tests and SECM measurement were performed using Bio-Logic M470 in the Ar-filled glovebox (MIKROUNA). The experiment setup consists of a four-electrode open cell as shown in detail in our previous publication (Liu et al, 2019c). One working electrode is the electrode pasted substrate, the other working electrode is the 15 µm Pt microprobe sealed in glass (RG = 10), the counter electrode and reference electrode were all made of Li foils.…”

Understanding Battery Interfaces by Combined Characterization and Simulation Approaches: Challenges and Perspectives

“…This technique, called ac‐SECM, allows for measuring the local conductivity of the electrode without the need for a redox mediator, enabling substrate topographic feature identification by the simple measurement of the local electrode impedance. [ 67,68 ]…”

“…This technique, called ac-SECM, allows for measuring the local conductivity of the electrode without the need for a redox mediator, enabling substrate topographic feature identification by the simple measurement of the local electrode impedance. [67,68] In summary, SECM and EQCM are examples of advanced electrochemical techniques that are currently under development to address the growing needs for local, in operando characterization of the electrode/electrolyte interface; there is little doubt that they and other electrochemistry and electrochemical techniques will play a key role in this context in the immediate future.…”

In-situ/operando characterization techniques in lithium-ion batteries and beyond

“…The surficial resistance and topography information of TiO 2 anode in the aqueous Li-ion battery was collected by alternating current scanning electrochemical microscopy (AM-SECM), showing a broaden application in electrochemical system (Fig. 15(c)) [176].…”