In Situ Atomic Force Microscopy and X‐ray Computed Tomography Characterization of All‐Solid‐State Lithium Batteries: Both Local and Overall

Abstract

All‐solid‐state lithium batteries (ASSLBs) are promising due to their high‐energy output and low‐risk profile, but their development has only just begun. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and related techniques have had an impact on ASSLBs research by elucidating the interfacial, morphological, mechanical, electrical, and electrochemical properties of a wide range of electrodes and electrolytes. However, because a cross‐section cut is necessary to define the solid–solid interface, true in situ analysis is not practical. The first part of this review will assess recent advancements in the study of ASSLBs utilizing AFM and other scanning probe microscopy techniques. The interior solid–solid interfaces can be illuminated in situ using X‐ray computed tomography (X‐CT) and other nondestructive characterization techniques, whereas, in contrast, to deepen the subject, it is further examined how X‐CT vary from the use of other instruments for solid‐state battery characterization, compare the information that various methods may give, and assess how well they can accurately reflect real batteries. This review may serve as a reference and point researchers in the direction of future study on the solid–solid interface of ASSLBs.

Recent Progress of In‐Depth Analysis Techniques for Si Anodes in Sulfide‐Based All‐Solid‐State Batteries: A Concise Overview and Future Perspective

“…Therefore, we can observe volume expansion, porosity, tortuosity, crack generation, and elemental heterogeneities in real time. [71] The chemical and electrochemical instabilities of the interface can be well accounted for through in situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy (in situ XAS) techniques, owing to their large probing distance and high detectable depth. [72] Moreover, more insightful information about the phase heterogeneity at the interface can be obtained through in situ-Raman mapping analysis than the SEM-EDS mapping.…”

A Review of Non-Destructive Techniques for Lithium-Ion Battery Performance Analysis

“…XCT with a resolution on the nanoscale (nano-CT) is extremely desirable for the purpose of characterizing the inner interface [61], i.e., when used to create 3D representations of individual electrodes or the entire cell, and it can output 2D projection images of objects from multiple angles of incidence [62]. It enables the non-destructive inspection of the cell, providing abundant structural information at the micrometer or sub-micrometer levels.…”

“…In [71], the authors used XCT to investigate the phenomenon of lithium plating in LIBs, the formation and growth of lithium metal deposits on the anode, which can lead to capacity loss, reduced cycle life, and safety issues. In [62], observations and measurements of the sources and progression of electrochemical and mechanical degradation were carried out while batteries were in operation. The model revealed distributions in the initiation and rate of core-shell lithiation, as well as the initiation and growth of cracks along pre-existing defects.…”

Rational Design of Hollow Structural Materials for Sodium‐Ion Battery Anodes

“…As of today, lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have been commercialized worldwide, but their development is still limited by the high cost of the raw materials. [1][2][3] As a potential alternative to LIBs, sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) have drawn growing attention in recent years due to their low cost and chemical similarity to LIBs. [4][5][6] A SIB consists of an anode, a cathode, a separator, and an electrolyte.…”