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State-of-the-art characterization techniques for advanced lithium-ion batteries

Nature Energy volume 2, Article number: 17011 (2017) Cite this article

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Abstract

To meet future needs for industries from personal devices to automobiles, state-of-the-art rechargeable lithium-ion batteries will require both improved durability and lowered costs. To enhance battery performance and lifetime, understanding electrode degradation mechanisms is of critical importance. Various advanced in situ and operando characterization tools developed during the past few years have proven indispensable for optimizing battery materials, understanding cell degradation mechanisms, and ultimately improving the overall battery performance. Here we review recent progress in the development and application of advanced characterization techniques such as in situ transmission electron microscopy for high-performance lithium-ion batteries. Using three representative electrode systems—layered metal oxides, Li-rich layered oxides and Si-based or Sn-based alloys—we discuss how these tools help researchers understand the battery process and design better battery systems. We also summarize the application of the characterization techniques to lithium–sulfur and lithium–air batteries and highlight the importance of those techniques in the development of next-generation batteries.

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Figure 1: In situ SEM of a NCA particle during electrochemical cycling.
Figure 2: In situ characterizations for Li2Ru1–ySnyO3 electrode.
Figure 3: In situ characterizations for Li4FeSbO6 electrode.
Figure 4: Operando DEMS.
Figure 5: In situ TEM study for the lithiation process for Si anode.
Figure 6: In situ TEM.
Figure 7: Operando XRD and XAS studies of a Li−S cell.
Figure 8: The change in anodic lithium during discharge–charge cycling.

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Acknowledgements

This work was supported by the US Department of Energy under contract DE-AC0206CH11357 with the main support provided by the Vehicle Technologies Office, Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE). T.W. acknowledges the use of the Advanced Photon Source, an Office of Science User Facility operated for the US Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science by Argonne National Laboratory, supported by the US DOE under contract no. DE-AC02-06CH11357.

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  1. Chemical Sciences and Engineering Division, Argonne National Laboratory, 9700 South, Argonne, 60439, Illinois, USA

    Jun Lu & Khalil Amine

  2. X-ray Science Division, Advanced Photon Sources (APS), Argonne National Laboratory, 9700 South, Argonne, 60439, Illinois, USA

    Tianpin Wu

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Lu, J., Wu, T. & Amine, K. State-of-the-art characterization techniques for advanced lithium-ion batteries. Nat Energy 2, 17011 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1038/nenergy.2017.11

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