Neutron Scattering Study of Battery Materials

Neutron scattering offers unique advantages for battery research. It is highly sensitive to light elements such as hydrogen (H), lithium (Li), carbon (C), and oxygen (O), which are crucial components of rechargeable Li/Na-ion batteries. Additionally, neutron scattering can differentiate between adjacent transition metal (TM) cations like manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), and nickel (Ni) in battery cathodes, particularly during isotope substitution experiments. This capability enables precise investigation of how cation arrangements influence the electrochemical performance of various rechargeable battery cathodes. Neutron scattering is also useful for probing dynamics, such as ligand anion vibrations, lattice dynamics, and ionic diffusion in both electrode and electrolyte materials. Moreover, its strong penetration and non-destructive nature make neutron scattering an ideal tool for characterizing battery materials without damaging the sample or interfering with electrochemical reactions. Despite these advantages, the application of neutron scattering techniques (e.g., diffraction, quasi-elastic, and inelastic scattering) in battery research has been overshadowed by synchrotron X-ray scattering. This is mainly due to the historically limited interaction between the neutron scattering and battery research communities. In this talk, I will briefly review the history of neutron scattering in battery material studies, focusing on our recent efforts using neutron diffraction and total scattering to study battery electrodes and solid-state electrolyte materials. I will also present our recent advancements in developing high-throughput and fast operando neutron diffraction study of conventional Li-ion batteries, as well as the breakthrough of achieving the first operando neutron diffraction study of all-solid-state batteries using SNS's NOMAD instrument.