Frontier Challenges with Characterization of Solid-State Batteries

Lithium reservoir-free solid state batteries can offer exceedingly high energy densities for a range of emerging applications related aviation and electric vehicles. However, reversible operation of reservoir-free cells are plagued by a range of degradation mechanisms. The morphology of lithium metal film and subsequent evolution during operations can be highly variable and is dependent on the type of solid electrolyte, current collector, and operating conditions (current density, temperature, pressure, etc.). Tailoring studies which can capture cathode an anode dynamics in a solid state batteries simultaneously is challenging because of the diverse array of materials used in a battery and the subsequent resolutions (temporal and spatial) need to understand and unravel dynamics in a solid state batter. This talk will highlight a few examples of ongoing challenges with x-ray, neutrons, and electrons for advanced operando characterization of solid state batteries. Combining multiple techniques (e.g. spectroscopy with imaging) can provide value but requires careful design of operando cells. A discussion of the differences in cell design for neutrons and x-ray wills also be included.