The ever-growing energy requirements, the decreasing fossil fuel resources and the urgent need for environmental protection have spurred the search for sustainable energy alternatives, including both renewable energy sources and efficient storage technologies. Lithium/sodium (Li/Na)-ion batteries (LIBs/SIBs) are the most attractive and promising energy storage devices in the consumer market. The primary progress made by using advanced transmission electron microscopy (TEM) characterization and its close correlation with the battery properties are reviewed here. In addition, the atomic structure and chemistry of electrode materials are illustrated with respect to the surface reconstruction and the interface structure. The phase transformation and defect evolution are then discussed with respect to (1) the intermediate state of LiFePO 4 that results in a high rate capability; (2) the in situ electrochemical reaction on nanomaterials; and (3) the alloying reaction for the high-energydensity silicon (Si) anode. The fundamental science underlying the microstructure evolution has been explored in depth to the atomic level and is discussed further in the context of electronic structure theory.
INTRODUCTIONThere is an urgent need to build a sustainable society by developing clean energy technologies to replace fossil fuels. 1 In this respect, energy conversion and storage devices are highly desirable because they can shift the electric energy from peak to off-peak periods, thus resulting in efficient energy use. Rechargeable batteries, one of the most important energy storage devices, have evolved over the past years from lead acid through nickel-cadmium and nickel-metal hydride to lithium (Li)-ion batteries. Rechargeable batteries will be replaced by higher energy, lighter weight and lower cost Li-ion batteries (LIBs) in fields such as hybrid electric vehicles. 2,3 Compared with LIBs, sodium (Na)-ion batteries (NIBs) are more cost effective, use a much more earth-abundant and environmental friendly metal Na and are suitable for stationary grid storage applications. 4 LIBs/SIBs have various applications (such as portable electronics, transportation and load leveling) owing to their high volumetric and gravimetric energy densities.The performance of rechargeable batteries (that is, their energy density, capacity fade, rate capability and cycling life) is critically dependent on their electrode materials. 5 A number of characterization techniques have been used to investigate these electrode materials. For example, synchrotron X-rays provide a bright signal allowing study of the microstructure evolution on a global scale during charging/ discharging. In contrast, fast electrons with a small wavelength are used to image and characterize the material structure at a high resolution. By collecting the inelastically scattered electrons after the