Spatial quantification of dynamic inter and intra particle crystallographic heterogeneities within lithium ion electrodes

• DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-14467-x
• Publication Date: 2020-01-31T11:02:58Z
• Authors: Donal P. Finegan; Antonis Vamvakeros; Chun Tan; Thomas M. M. Heenan; Sohrab R. Daemi; Natalie Seitzman; Marco Di Michiel; Simon Jacques; Andrew M. Beale; Dan J. L. Brett; Paul R. Shearing; Kandler Smith
• Keywords: Monoclinic crystal system; Particle (ecology); Stoichiometry

Abstract The performance of lithium ion electrodes is hindered by unfavorable chemical heterogeneities that pre-exist or develop during operation. Time-resolved spatial descriptions are needed to understand the link between such and a cell’s performance. Here, operando high-resolution X-ray diffraction-computed tomography used spatially temporally quantify crystallographic within particles throughout both fresh degraded Li x Mn 2 O 4 electrodes. This imaging technique facilitates identification stoichiometric differences gradients phase particles. Through radial quantification fractions, response distinct lithiation found vary; most contain localized regions transition rock salt LiMnO first cycle. Other monoclinic MnO 3 near surface almost pure spinel core. Following 150 cycles, concentrations significantly increase widely vary