Synchrotron-Based X-Ray Characterization of Li-Ion Battery Degradation Mechanisms

Synchrotron-based X-rays are a powerful characterization tool that can probe across many relevant length scales (from atomistic to millimeter) with different techniques that are sensitive to distinct features such as microstructure, chemistry, and morphology. Because of the high flux available and penetrating power of X-rays, batteries can be probed under realistic conditions, which enables us to understand and overcome failure mechanisms of the generation battery materials. I will discuss our multimodal approach combining information from high resolution transmission X-ray microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray absorption spectroscopy to study a range of different battery chemistries. Specifically, I will present recent work on using X-ray microscopy to study nanoporous architectures for alloying anode to accommodate their large volume changes. I will also demonstrate the value in X-ray tomography at multiple length scales (from nm to micron) to characterize the degradation of LiNi_0.5Mn_0.3Co_0.2O₂ cathodes from fast charging.