In situ visualization of multicomponents coevolution in a battery pouch cell

Abstract

Lithium-ion battery (LIB) is a broadly adopted technology for energy storage. With increasing demands to improve the rate capability, cyclability, energy density, safety, and cost efficiency, it is crucial to establish an in-depth understanding of the detailed structural evolution and cell-degradation mechanisms during battery operation. Here, we present a laboratory-based high-resolution and high-throughput X-ray micro–computed laminography approach, which is capable of in situ visualizing of an industry-relevant lithium-ion (Li-ion) pouch cell with superior detection fidelity, resolution, and reliability. This technique enables imaging of the pouch cell at a spatial resolution of 0.5 μm in a laboratory system and permits the identification of submicron features within cathode and anode electrodes. We also demonstrate direct visualization of the lithium plating in the imaged pouch cell, which is an important phenomenon relevant to battery fast charging and low-temperature cycling. Our development presents an avenue toward a thorough understanding of the correlation among multiscale structures, chemomechanical degradation, and electrochemical behavior of industry-scale battery pouch cells.

Direct recycling of spent Li-ion batteries: Challenges and opportunities toward practical applications

“…proposed a laboratory-based high-resolution and high-throughput X-ray microcomputer tomography method, which is capable of in situ visualization of industry-related pouch batteries with excellent detection fidelity, resolution, and reliability ( Figure 4 B). 45 The virtual imaging of the cathode and anode electrodes ( Figures 4 C and 4D) can primarily indicate the battery chemistry information based on the morphological features of different cathodes. However, it can be challenging to distinguish materials with similar morphological characteristics, such as polycrystalline NCM111, NCM523, or NCM622.…”

Materials and Processing of Lithium-Ion Battery Cathodes

“…To achieve optimal performance, it is essential to optimize the architectural parameters in electrode design, particularly particle size and distribution, which play a vital role in determining the solid-state diffusion length of Li ions, electrode surface area, and porosity [106][107][108][109][110][111][112]. In general, smaller particles have a shorter solid-state diffusion length, which can lead to a lower overpotential and faster C-rate operation.…”

Perspective—Morphology and Dynamics of Metal Dendrites in Batteries Revealed by X-ray Computed Tomography

“…3f). 36 This approach enables an in situ imaging of the pouch cell at a spatial resolution of 0.5 μm and permits the visualization of regions with lithium plating on the surface of graphite anode.…”