3D correlative imaging of lithium ion concentration in a vertically oriented electrode microstructure with a density gradient

DOI: 10.1002/advs.202105723

Authors: Chun Huang (Imperial College University of Oxford; London; The Faraday Institution; Research Complex at Harwell; King's College London) , Matthew Wilson (STFC-UKRI) , Kosuke Suzuki (Gunma University) , Enzo Liotti (University of Oxford) , Thomas Connolley (Diamond Light Source) , Oxana Magdysyuk (Diamond Light Source) , Stephen Collins (Diamond Light Source) , Frederic Van Assche (Ghent University) , Matthieu N Boone (Ghent University) , Matthew C. Veale (STFC-UKRI) , Andrew Lui (University of Oxford) , Rhian-Mair Wheater (STFC-UKRI) , Chu Lun Alex Leung (University of Oxford; University College London)
Co-authored by industrial partner: No

Type: Journal Paper
Journal: Advanced Science , VOL 92

State: Published (Approved)
Published: April 2022
Diamond Proposal Number(s): 23400

Abstract: The performance of Li+ ion batteries (LIBs) is hindered by steep Li+ ion concentration gradients in the electrodes. Although thick electrodes (≥300 µm) have the potential for reducing the proportion of inactive components inside LIBs and increasing battery energy density, the Li+ ion concentration gradient problem is exacerbated. Most understanding of Li+ ion diffusion in the electrodes is based on computational modeling because of the low atomic number (Z) of Li. There are few experimental methods to visualize Li+ ion concentration distribution of the electrode within a battery of typical configurations, for example, coin cells with stainless steel casing. Here, for the first time, an interrupted in situ correlative imaging technique is developed, combining novel, full-field X-ray Compton scattering imaging with X-ray computed tomography that allows 3D pixel-by-pixel mapping of both Li+ stoichiometry and electrode microstructure of a LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 cathode to correlate the chemical and physical properties of the electrode inside a working coin cell battery. An electrode microstructure containing vertically oriented pore arrays and a density gradient is fabricated. It is shown how the designed electrode microstructure improves Li+ ion diffusivity, homogenizes Li+ ion concentration through the ultra-thick electrode (1 mm), and improves utilization of electrode active materials.

Journal Keywords: density gradient; ion concentration; vertically oriented structure

Diamond Keywords: Batteries; Lithium-ion

Subject Areas: Materials, Chemistry, Energy


Instruments: I12-JEEP: Joint Engineering, Environmental and Processing

Added On: 13/04/2022 09:43

Discipline Tags:

Energy Storage Energy Physical Chemistry Energy Materials Chemistry Materials Science Chemical Engineering Engineering & Technology

Technical Tags:

Imaging Tomography