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

Qian, Guannan; Zan, Guibin; Pianetta, P.; Liu, Yijin

doi:10.1149/1945-7111/acad33

“…Full-field transmission X-ray microscope (TXM) has the capability to observe the three-dimensional structure of samples at the nanoscale [4][5][6][7]. TXM presents enormous application prospects and has the potential to become as ubiquitous as optical and electron microscopes, finding its way into the laboratories of scientists and engineers, serving as an indispensable research tool in fields such as life sciences, materials science, energy science, information science, and environmental science.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Design of a full-filed transmission x-ray microscope with 30nm resolution

Liao,

He,

Li

et al. 2024

Sixth Conference on Frontiers in Optical Imaging and Technology: Novel Imaging Systems

0

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

A full-field transmission hard X-ray microscope (TXM) with 30nm resolution was designed and its prototype was constructed. The TXM relies on a compact, high stiffness, low heat dissipation and low vibration design philosophy and utilizes Fresnel Zone plate (FZP) as imaging optics. The design of the TXM was introduced in detail, including the optical layout, the parameters of the FZP, the mechanical design of the TXM instrument. Preliminary imaging result with 52nm spatial resolution was achieved.

show abstract

“…23,[29][30][31][32][33] In situ studies at the micron length scale are playing an important role in determining the dynamic phenomena that exist in various battery systems, for exemplar the development of solid sulphur in Li-S cathodes, 34 parasitic gas formation in Zn-AgO, 35 morphological changes in Zn anodes, 36 and degradation mechanisms in Li-ion pouch cells. 37,38 Other operando experiments have looked to quantify the cracking in NMC by using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy to infer the presence of cracking in NMC via the detection of increased surface area in the measurements. 39 Our work demonstrates development of novel in situ tomography methods that allow us to probe the voltagemediated particle fracturing on the same particles throughout the charge and discharge process, testing the hypothesis that cracks form in the early life of the material on charge, and are perceived to 'heal' on discharge.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Non-Linear Damage Response to Voltage Revealed by Operando X-ray Tomography in Polycrystalline NMC811

Parks,

Jones,

Wade

et al. 2024

Preprint

0

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

To understand the fracture behaviour in battery materials, X-ray computed tomography (X-ray CT) has been employed widely and has become the primary technique for non-destructive particle analysis. Cracking is known to cause decline in cell performance of polycrystalline NMC811 as it exposes new surfaces for parasitic electrolyte reactions and disconnects active material from the electrode matrix. First cycle crack formation has been documented previously; however, definitive electrochemically induced particle fracture can be difficult to assess due to complicated sample preparation methods and the availability of high-resolution X-ray imaging. Here we present an operando X-ray CT technique that enables accurate observation of fracture behaviour as the particles are de-/lithiated. We uncover a non-linear relationship between fracture behaviour and the cell voltage, and evidence of particle reformation as re-lithiation occurs, we also see the effect multiple cycles have on the severity of cracks. Using a grey level analysis algorithm for fracture detection, we have expedited the damage evaluation of thousands of particles throughout the electrochemical process to successfully understand crack initiation, propagation, and eventual partial particle restoration on a large statistical scale. In addition we explored the effects of continued volumetric hysteresis on particles’ damage fingerprints. For the first time, we demonstrate the complex plurality of fracture behaviour in commercial lithium ion battery materials, that will help to design mitigation strategies to combat the effects of particle fracture.

show abstract

“…23,[29][30][31][32][33] In situ studies at the micron length scale are playing an important role in determining the dynamic phenomena that exist in various battery systems, for exemplar the development of solid sulphur in Li-S cathodes, 34 parasitic gas formation in Zn-AgO, 35 morphological changes in Zn anodes, 36 and degradation mechanisms in Li-ion pouch cells. 37,38 Other operando experiments have looked to quantify the cracking in NMC by using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy to infer the presence of cracking in NMC via the detection of increased surface area in the measurements. 39 Our work demonstrates development of novel in situ tomography methods that allow us to probe the voltage-mediated particle fracturing on the same particles throughout the charge and discharge process, testing the hypothesis that cracks form in the early life of the material on charge, and are perceived to 'heal' on discharge.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Non-Linear Damage Response to Voltage Revealed by Operando X-ray Tomography in Polycrystalline NMC811

Parks,

Jones,

Wade

et al. 2024

Preprint

0

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

To understand the fracture behaviour in battery materials, X-ray computed tomography (X-ray CT) has been employed widely and has become the primary technique for non-destructive particle analysis. Cracking is known to cause decline in cell performance of polycrystalline NMC811 as it exposes new surfaces for parasitic electrolyte reactions and disconnects active material from the electrode matrix. First cycle crack formation has been documented previously; however, definitive electrochemically induced particle fracture can be difficult to assess due to complicated sample preparation methods and the availability of high-resolution X-ray imaging. Here we present an operando X-ray CT technique that enables accurate observation of fracture behaviour as the particles are de-/lithiated. We uncover a non-linear relationship between fracture behaviour and the cell voltage, and evidence of particle reformation as re-lithiation occurs, we also see the effect multiple cycles have on the severity of cracks. Using a grey level analysis algorithm for fracture detection, we have expedited the damage evaluation of thousands of particles throughout the electrochemical process to successfully understand crack initiation, propagation, and eventual partial particle restoration on a large statistical scale. In addition we explored the effects of continued volumetric hysteresis on particles’ damage fingerprints. For the first time, we demonstrate the complex plurality of fracture behaviour in commercial lithium ion battery materials, that will help to design mitigation strategies to combat the effects of particle fracture.

show abstract

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

Cited by 8 publications

References 39 publications

Design of a full-filed transmission x-ray microscope with 30nm resolution

Design of a full-filed transmission x-ray microscope with 30nm resolution

Non-Linear Damage Response to Voltage Revealed by Operando X-ray Tomography in Polycrystalline NMC811

Non-Linear Damage Response to Voltage Revealed by Operando X-ray Tomography in Polycrystalline NMC811

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About