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Ralf F.
Ziesche
,
Thomas M. M.
Heenan
,
Pooja
Kumari
,
Jarrod
Williams
,
Weiqun
Li
,
Matthew E.
Curd
,
Timothy L.
Burnett
,
Ian
Robinson
,
Dan J. L.
Brett
,
Matthias J.
Ehrhardt
,
Paul D.
Quinn
,
Layla B.
Mehdi
,
Philip J.
Withers
,
Melanie
Britton
,
Nigel D.
Browning
,
Paul R.
Shearing
Open Access
Abstract: Demand for low carbon energy storage has highlighted the importance of imaging techniques for the characterization of electrode microstructures to determine key parameters associated with battery manufacture, operation, degradation, and failure both for next generation lithium and other novel battery systems. Here, recent progress and literature highlights from magnetic resonance, neutron, X-ray, focused ion beam, scanning and transmission electron microscopy are summarized. Two major trends are identified: First, the use of multi-modal microscopy in a correlative fashion, providing contrast modes spanning length- and time-scales, and second, the application of machine learning to guide data collection and analysis, recognizing the role of these tools in evaluating large data streams from increasingly sophisticated imaging experiments.
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May 2023
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I07-Surface & interface diffraction
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Elena J.
Cassella
,
Emma L. K.
Spooner
,
Joel A.
Smith
,
Timothy
Thornber
,
Mary E.
O'Kane
,
Robert D. J.
Oliver
,
Thomas E.
Catley
,
Saqlain
Choudhary
,
Christopher J.
Wood
,
Deborah B.
Hammond
,
Henry J.
Snaith
,
David G.
Lidzey
Diamond Proposal Number(s):
[30612]
Open Access
Abstract: High temperature post-deposition annealing of hybrid lead halide perovskite thin films—typically lasting at least 10 min—dramatically limits the maximum roll-to-roll coating speed, which determines solar module manufacturing costs. While several approaches for “annealing-free” perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have been demonstrated, many are of limited feasibility for scalable fabrication. Here, this work has solvent-engineered a high vapor pressure solvent mixture of 2-methoxy ethanol and tetrahydrofuran to deposit highly crystalline perovskite thin-films at room temperature using gas-quenching to remove the volatile solvents. Using this approach, this work demonstrates p-i-n devices with an annealing-free MAPbI3 perovskite layer achieving stabilized power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of up to 18.0%, compared to 18.4% for devices containing an annealed perovskite layer. This work then explores the deposition of self-assembled molecules as the hole-transporting layer without annealing. This work finally combines the methods to create fully annealing-free devices having stabilized PCEs of up to 17.1%. This represents the state-of-the-art for annealing-free fabrication of PSCs with a process fully compatible with roll-to-roll manufacture.
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Feb 2023
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E01-JEM ARM 200CF
E02-JEM ARM 300CF
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Jianwei
Li
,
Ningjing
Luo
,
Liqun
Kang
,
Fangjia
Zhao
,
Yiding
Jiao
,
Thomas J.
Macdonald
,
Min
Wang
,
Ivan P.
Parkin
,
Paul R.
Shearing
,
Dan J. L.
Brett
,
Guoliang
Chai
,
Guanjie
He
Diamond Proposal Number(s):
[22553, 22604, 30614]
Open Access
Abstract: Layered manganese oxides adopting pre-accommodated cations have drawn tremendous interest for the application as cathodes in aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) owing to their open 2D channels for fast ion-diffusion and mild phase transition upon topochemical (de)intercalation processes. However, it is inevitable to see these “pillar” cations leaching from the hosts owing to the loose interaction with negatively charged Helmholtz planes within the hosts and shearing/bulking effects in 2D structures upon guest species (de)intercalation, which implies a limited modulation to prevent them from rapid performance decay. Herein, a new class of layered manganese oxides, Mg0.9Mn3O7·2.7H2O, is proposed for the first time, aims to achieve a robust cathode for high-performance AZIBs. The cathode can deliver a high capacity of 312 mAh g−1 at 0.2 A g−1 and exceptional cycling stability with 92% capacity retention after 5 000 cycles at 5 A g−1. The comprehensive characterizations elucidate its peculiar motif of pined Mg-□Mn-Mg dumbbell configuration along with interstratified hydrogen bond responsible for less Mn migration/dissolution and quasi-zero-strain characters. The revealed new structure-function insights can open up an avenue toward the rational design of superstructural cathodes for reversible AZIBs.
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Nov 2022
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B18-Core EXAFS
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Open Access
Abstract: Layered oxides for Na-ion batteries containing Fe have attracted strong interest mainly due to their low cost. However, full oxidation of Fe3+ to Fe4+ is rarely seen before O-redox sets in and is typically accompanied by voltage and capacity fade on cycling. On charging P2-Na0.67[Fe0.5Mn0.5]O2, Fe3+ is oxidized to only ≈Fe3.3+ before the onset of O-redox. O-redox occurs when the Na content is sufficiently low (Na ≈0.3) to permit the transition from P-type to O-type stacking, thus enabling Fe3+ migration to the Na layer. Fe3+ migration generates cation vacancies in the transition metal layer, forming □-O-□ configurations, which trigger the onset of O-redox. In contrast, doping this material with Mg2+ to form P2-Na0.67[Fe0.25Mn0.6Mg0.15]O2 allows full oxidation of Fe3+ to Fe4+ before the Na content is low enough to favor O-type stacking. During O-redox, Mg2+ is displaced into the Na layers instead of Fe. Mg substitution enables greater reversibility of the Fe3+/Fe4+ redox couple and significantly suppresses Fe migration, which is responsible for the voltage and capacity fade observed for P2-Na0.67Fe0.5Mn0.5O2.
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Jun 2022
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I13-2-Diamond Manchester Imaging
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Fu
Sun
,
Chao
Wang
,
Markus
Osenberg
,
Kang
Dong
,
Shu
Zhang
,
Chao
Yang
,
Yantao
Wang
,
Andre
Hilger
,
Jianjun
Zhang
,
Shanmu
Dong
,
Henning
Markötter
,
Ingo
Manke
,
Guanglei
Cui
Diamond Proposal Number(s):
[18936]
Abstract: A fundamental clarification of the electro-chemo-mechanical coupling at the solid–solid electrode|electrolyte interface in all-solid-state batteries (ASSBs) is of crucial significance but has proven challenging. Herein, (synchrotron) X-ray tomography, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), time-of-flight secondary-ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS), and finite element analysis (FEA) modeling are jointly used to decouple the electro-chemo-mechanical coupling in Li10SnP2S12-based ASSBs. Non-destructive (synchrotron) X-ray tomography results visually disclose unexpected mechanical deformation of the solid electrolyte and electrode as well as an unanticipated evolving behavior of the (electro)chemically generated interphase. The EIS and TOF-SIMS probing results provide additional information that links the interphase/electrode properties to the overall battery performance. The modeling results complete the picture by providing the detailed distribution of the mechanical stress/strain and the potential/ionic flux within the electrolyte. Collectively, these results suggest that 1) the interfacial volume changes induced by the (electro)chemical reactions can trigger the mechanical deformation of the solid electrode and electrolyte; 2) the overall electrochemical process can accelerate the interfacial chemical reactions; 3) the reconfigured interfaces in turn influence the electric potential distribution as well as charge transportation within the SE. These fundamental discoveries that remain unreported until now significantly improve the understanding of the complicated electro-chemo-mechanical couplings in ASSBs.
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Feb 2022
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I11-High Resolution Powder Diffraction
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Eun Jeong
Kim
,
Philip A.
Maughan
,
Euan N.
Bassey
,
Raphaële J.
Clément
,
Le Anh
Ma
,
Laurent C.
Duda
,
Divya
Sehrawat
,
Reza
Younesi
,
Neeraj
Sharma
,
Clare P.
Grey
,
Robert
Armstrong
Diamond Proposal Number(s):
[26699]
Open Access
Abstract: Activation of oxygen redox represents a promising strategy to enhance the energy density of positive electrode materials in both lithium and sodium-ion batteries. However, the large voltage hysteresis associated with oxidation of oxygen anions during the first charge represents a significant challenge. Here, P3-type Na0.67Li0.2Mn0.8O2 is reinvestigated and a ribbon superlattice is identified for the first time in P3-type materials. The ribbon superstructure is maintained over cycling with very minor unit cell volume changes in the bulk while Li ions migrate reversibly between the transition metal and Na layers at the atomic scale. In addition, a range of spectroscopic techniques reveal that a strongly hybridized Mn 3d–O 2p favors ligand-to-metal charge transfer, also described as a reductive coupling mechanism, to stabilize reversible oxygen redox. By preparing materials under three different synthetic conditions, the degree of ordering between Li and Mn is varied. The sample with the maximum cation ordering delivers the largest capacity regardless of the voltage windows applied. These findings highlight the importance of cationic ordering in the transition metal layers, which can be tuned by synthetic control to enhance anionic redox and hence energy density in rechargeable batteries.
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Dec 2021
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B18-Core EXAFS
|
Diamond Proposal Number(s):
[17198]
Open Access
Abstract: The magnitude of ionic conductivity is known to depend upon both mobility and number of available carriers. For proton conductors, hydration is a key factor in determining the charge–carrier concentration in ABO3 perovskite oxides. Despite the high reported proton mobility of calcium titanate (CaTiO3), this titanate perovskite has thus far been regarded as a poor proton conductor due to the low hydration capability. Here, the enhanced proton conductivity of the defective calcium titanate Ca0.92TiO2.84(OH)0.16 prepared by replacing lattice oxygens with hydroxyl groups via a solvothermal route is shown. Conductivity measurements in a humidified Ar atmosphere reveal that, remarkably, this material exhibits one order of magnitude higher bulk conductivity (10−4 Scm−1 at 200 °C) than hydrated stoichiometric CaTiO3 prepared by traditional solid-state synthesis due to the higher concentration of protonic defects and variation in the crystal structure. The replacement of Ca2+ by Ni2+ in the Ca1−xTi1O3−2x(OH)2x, which mostly exsolve metallic Ni nanoparticles along orthorhombic (100) planes upon reduction, is also demonstrated. These results suggest a new strategy by tailoring the defect chemistry via hydration or cation doping followed by exsolution for targeted energy applications.
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Aug 2021
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Abstract: Alloying anodes have long attracted attention as promising candidate electrodes for application in grid‐level energy storage systems owing to their high energy capacity. Alloying anode‐based batteries, however, remain far from practical applications, which require several issues affecting cell performance to be addressed. The large volumetric expansion of anodes and associated phenomena that occur during battery cycling are the main reasons for the poor electrochemical performance of alloying anodes. These electrochemical behaviors of alloying anodes originate from the reactions between the unreacted anode material and inflowing carrier ions. Thus, the diffusion kinetics play a key role in determining the electrochemical properties of alloying anodes. Recent advances in analytical instruments and atomic simulations offer new approaches for interpreting anode performance. Beginning with a brief historical background, this review presents an overview of the origin of diffusion kinetics and how this concept has been extended to alloying anodes. Accordingly, the relationship between the diffusion kinetics and electrochemical performance of alloying anodes is discussed, combined with efficient strategies that can be adopted to improve electrochemical properties. Finally, a design overview of next‐generation alloying anodes that can extend the batteries’ performance limit is proposed.
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Dec 2020
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I09-Surface and Interface Structural Analysis
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Zahra
Andaji-Garmaroudi
,
Mojtaba
Abdi-Jalebi
,
Felix U.
Kosasih
,
Tiarnan
Doherty
,
Stuart
Macpherson
,
Alan R.
Bowman
,
Gabriel J.
Man
,
Ute B.
Cappel
,
Hakan
Rensmo
,
Caterina
Ducati
,
Richard H.
Friend
,
Samuel D.
Stranks
Diamond Proposal Number(s):
[22668]
Abstract: Halide perovskites have attracted substantial interest for their potential as disruptive display and lighting technologies. However, perovskite light‐emitting diodes (PeLEDs) are still hindered by poor operational stability. A fundamental understanding of the degradation processes is lacking but will be key to mitigating these pathways. Here, a combination of in operando and ex situ measurements to monitor the performance degradation of (Cs0.06FA0.79MA0.15)Pb(I0.85Br0.15)3 PeLEDs over time is used. Through device, nanoscale cross‐sectional chemical mapping, and optical spectroscopy measurements, it is revealed that the degraded performance arises from an irreversible accumulation of bromide content at one interface, which leads to barriers to injection of charge carriers and thus increased nonradiative recombination. This ionic segregation is impeded by passivating the perovskite films with potassium halides, which immobilizes the excess halide species. The passivated PeLEDs show enhanced external quantum efficiency (EQE) from 0.5% to 4.5% and, importantly, show significantly enhanced stability, with minimal performance roll‐off even at high current densities (>200 mA cm−2). The decay half‐life for the devices under continuous operation at peak EQE increases from <1 to ≈15 h through passivation, and ≈200 h under pulsed operation. The results provide generalized insight into degradation pathways in PeLEDs and highlight routes to overcome these challenges.
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Nov 2020
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I14-Hard X-ray Nanoprobe
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Thomas M. M.
Heenan
,
Aaron
Wade
,
Chun
Tan
,
Julia E.
Parker
,
Dorota
Matras
,
Andrew S.
Leach
,
James B.
Robinson
,
Alice
Llewellyn
,
Alexander
Dimitrijevic
,
Rhodri
Jervis
,
Paul D.
Quinn
,
Dan J. L.
Brett
,
Paul R.
Shearing
Diamond Proposal Number(s):
[20841, 23858]
Open Access
Abstract: The next generation of automotive lithium‐ion batteries may employ NMC811 materials; however, defective particles are of significant interest due to their links to performance loss. Here, it is demonstrated that even before operation, on average, one‐third of NMC811 particles experience some form of defect, increasing in severity near the separator interface. It is determined that defective particles can be detected and quantified using low resolution imaging, presenting a significant improvement for material statistics. Fluorescence and diffraction data reveal that the variation of Mn content within the NMC particles may correlate to crystallographic disordering, indicating that the mobility and dissolution of Mn may be a key aspect of degradation during initial cycling. This, however, does not appear to correlate with the severity of particle cracking, which when analyzed at high spatial resolutions, reveals cracking structures similar to lower Ni content NMC, suggesting that the disconnection and separation of neighboring primary particles may be due to electrochemical expansion/contraction, exacerbated by other factors such as grain orientation that are inherent in such polycrystalline materials. These findings can guide research directions toward mitigating degradation at each respective length‐scale: electrode sheets, secondary and primary particles, and individual crystals, ultimately leading to improved automotive ranges and lifetimes.
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Nov 2020
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