Application of Synchrotron Radiation Technologies to Electrode Materials for Li‐ and Na‐Ion Batteries

Abstract

The search for superior‐energy‐density electrode materials for rechargeable batteries is prompted by the continuously growing demand for new electric vehicles and large energy‐storage grids. The structural properties of electrode materials affect their electrochemical performance because their functionality is correlated to their structure at the atomic scale. Although challenging, a deeper and comprehensive understanding of the basic structural operating units of electrode materials may contribute to the advancement of new energy‐storage technologies and many other technologies. Therefore, we must strategically control both the structure and kinetics of electrode materials to achieve optimal electrochemical performance. In this contribution, advancements in synchrotron radiation techniques, specifically in situ/operando experiments on electrode materials for rechargeable batteries, are presented and discussed. Indeed, the latest synchrotron radiation methods offer deeper insights into pristine and chemically modified electrode materials, opening new opportunities to optimize these materials and exploit new technologies. In particular, the most recent results from in situ/operando synchrotron radiation measurements, which play a critical role in the fundamental understanding of the kinetics processes that occur in rechargeable batteries, are discussed.

Synchrotron‐Based X‐ray Absorption Fine Structures, X‐ray Diffraction, and X‐ray Microscopy Techniques Applied in the Study of Lithium Secondary Batteries

“…In this regard, various characterization methods have been carried out to probe the electrode and electrolyte materials and their interfaces during cycling. These techniques include scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), neutron diffraction, and synchrotron radiation (SR)‐based techniques . Benefiting from the recent advancements made in the development, third generation SR sources display the highly increased flux and brilliance and broader spectrum (from infrared to hard X‐ray) of the X‐ray beams, such as Advanced Photon Source and Canadian Light Source, compared to the first and second generation SR sources .…”

“…These techniques include scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), neutron diffraction, and synchrotron radiation (SR)-based techniques. [16][17][18][19][20][21] Benefiting from the recent advancements made in the development, third generation SR sources display the highly increased flux and brilliance and broader spectrum (from infrared to hard X-ray) of the X-ray beams, such as Advanced Photon Source and Canadian Light Source, compared to the first and second generation SR sources. [22][23][24] The great advancement in X-ray beam provides the promising potential to design and develop versatile beamlines and endstations to meet characterization demands without destruction, such as microscopy mapping and in situ or operando study.…”

Tracking the Chemical and Structural Evolution of the TiS2 Electrode in the Lithium-Ion Cell Using Operando X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy

“…However, an unambiguous understanding of the electronic and structural evolution of the TiS 2 electrode during the lithium interaction and conversion process under real operating conditions, which is still missing so far, highly relies on in situ and operando characterization methodologies. 28,29 Solving these issues is not only of great importance for the practical application of TiS 2 but also necessary for the further design of novel TMDs electrode materials with superior performance. In this report, we clearly elucidate the lithium intercalation and conversion reaction mechanism of the TiS 2 electrode in a lithium cell.…”

First-Principles Study of the Impact of Grain Boundary Formation in the Cathode Material LiFePO4

“…Due to these issues, in spite of several decades of research, the understanding of battery ageing remains challenging. Recent investigations [3][4][5][6][7] aimed at studying LFP have combined x-ray spectroscopy and theoretical modeling to monitor the evolution of the redox orbitals in nanoparticles and single-crystal LFP cathodes under different lithiation levels. These studies have provided advanced characterizations techniques for cathodes such as general methods for understanding the relation between lattice distortions and potential shifts [6].…”