In Situ TEM Studies on Electrochemical Mechanisms of Rechargeable Ion Battery Cathodes

Abstract

Due to recent developments in secondary ion batteries for high‐energy‐density applications, a thorough understanding of the underlying mechanism of advanced cathode materials is of vital importance. In situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques capable of high spatial and temporal resolution in operando analysis of dynamic battery systems have attracted significant interest. However, the complex electrochemical reaction mechanisms of cathode materials have not been extensively investigated using in situ TEM due to technical difficulties in implementation. This perspective provides an overview on the recent development of in situ TEM for studying representative layered and olivine‐type cathode materials in secondary ion batteries; it further discusses the critical challenges and possible breakthroughs of this technique in deepening fundamental understandings in the near future.

Fundamentals, status and challenges of direct recycling technologies for lithium ion batteries

“…In situ TEM, with its high spatial and temporal resolution, offers the capability to visualize the dynamic processes of materials. 288 This makes it particularly suitable for studying the battery recycling process.…”

Electrochemical liquid phase TEM in aqueous electrolytes for energy applications: the role of liquid flow configuration

“…In this context, various experiments have already been performed with commercial chips, thanks to the fact that they did not require an aqueous environment (i.e. traditional Li-ion batteries) [36], [37]. However, due to the need for more sustainable devices, researchers are also focusing on batteries based on different chemical elements (Zn, Mg, etc.…”

“…Thus, efficient removal of gaseous species may be regarded as the crucial challenge to advance from in situ to operando [19]. As mentioned above, in situ EC-LPTEM has been applied in the broad field of energy storage, particularly in the context of electrochemical batteries [20]. Research studies are needed to clearly correlate the effect of crystal structure, particle aggregation and agglomerate size on the electrochemical properties.…”

Structure–Property Interplay Within Microporous Manganese Dioxide Tunnels For Sustainable Energy Storage

“…Moreover, the highly localized structural defect of OMS crystals, formed during imperfect synthesis, can be barely seen via bulk‐level characterizations, not to mention their dynamic interplay with the diffusing ions upon servicing. In this sense, advanced characterizations such as transmission electron microscopy (TEM) compatible with various in situ diagnostic platforms stand out due to the high spatial and temporal resolutions for studying such nano‐ and sub‐nano sciences [19,20,21] …”

“…In this sense, advanced characterizations such as transmission electron microscopy (TEM) compatible with various in situ diagnostic platforms stand out due to the high spatial and temporal resolutions for studying such nano-and sub-nano sciences. [19,20,21] This mini review will thus timely cover recent fundamental advancements in OMS and their energy storage applications, with a focus on atomistic insights into their structureproperty relationship. Topics are logically arranged to represent the paradigmatic research clue, including: (1) the structural origins of OMS polymorphism and heterogeneous tunnels, (2) the morphological evolution of faceted OMS crystals and the facet effect on electrocatalysis, (3) the tunnel-driven cation transport/storage properties and the implication for material-processing and performance-enhancing strategies.…”