Elucidating the Humidity-Induced Degradation of Ni-Rich Layered Cathodes for Li-Ion Batteries.

Ni-rich layered oxides, in a general term of Li(NiCoMn)O ( > 0.5), are widely recognized as promising candidates for improving the specific energy and lowering the cost for next-generation Li-ion batteries. However, the high surface reactivity of these materials results in side reactions during improper storage and notable gas release when the cell is charged beyond 4.

Silicon Nanoparticles with a Polymer-Derived Carbon Shell for Improved Lithium-Ion Batteries: Investigation into Volume Expansion, Gas Evolution, and Particle Fracture.

Silicon (Si) and composites thereof, preferably with carbon (C), show favorable lithium (Li) storage properties at low potential, and thus hold promise for application as anode active materials in the energy storage area. However, the high theoretical specific capacity of Si afforded by the alloying reaction with Li involves many challenges. In this article, we report the preparation of small-size Si particles with a turbostratic carbon shell from a polymer precoated powder material.

In situ and operando atomic force microscopy of high-capacity nano-silicon based electrodes for lithium-ion batteries.

Silicon is a promising next-generation anode material for high-energy-density lithium-ion batteries. While the alloying of nano- and micron size silicon with lithium is relatively well understood, the knowledge of mechanical degradation and structural rearrangements in practical silicon-based electrodes during operation is limited. Here, we demonstrate, for the first time, in situ and operando atomic force microscopy (AFM) of nano-silicon anodes containing polymer binder and carbon black additive.

Dynamic formation of a solid-liquid electrolyte interphase and its consequences for hybrid-battery concepts.

The discharging and charging of batteries require ion transfer across phase boundaries. In conventional lithium-ion batteries, Li(+) ions have to cross the liquid electrolyte and only need to pass the electrode interfaces. Future high-energy batteries may need to work as hybrids, and so serially combine a liquid electrolyte and a solid electrolyte to suppress unwanted redox shuttles.

Gas Evolution in LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4/Graphite Cells Studied In Operando by a Combination of Differential Electrochemical Mass Spectrometry, Neutron Imaging, and Pressure Measurements.

The cycling performance and in operando gas analysis of LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 (LNMO)/graphite cells with reasonably high loading, containing a "standard" carbonate-based electrolyte is reported.

Gas Evolution in Operating Lithium-Ion Batteries Studied In Situ by Neutron Imaging.

Gas generation as a result of electrolyte decomposition is one of the major issues of high-performance rechargeable batteries. Here, we report the direct observation of gassing in operating lithium-ion batteries using neutron imaging. This technique can be used to obtain qualitative as well as quantitative information by applying a new analysis approach.

Online Continuous Flow Differential Electrochemical Mass Spectrometry with a Realistic Battery Setup for High-Precision, Long-Term Cycling Tests.

We describe the benefits of an online continuous flow differential electrochemical mass spectrometry (DEMS) method that allows for realistic battery cycling conditions. We provide a detailed description on the buildup and the role of the different components in the system. Special emphasis is given on the cell design.

Simple cathode design for Li–S batteries: cell performance and mechanistic insights by in operando X-ray diffraction.

Rechargeable batteries have been receiving increasing attention over the past several years, particularly with regard to the accelerated development of electric vehicles, but also for their potential in grid storage applications. Among the broad range of cathode active materials, elemental sulfur has the highest theoretical specific capacity, thereby making it one of the most promising positive electrode materials these days. In the present work, we show that already a simple cathode design (cathodes with a non-optimized composite microstructure) provides good electrochemical performance both in coin and pouch cells with sulfur loadings of 2 mg cm−2.

Toward silicon anodes for next-generation lithium ion batteries: a comparative performance study of various polymer binders and silicon nanopowders.

Silicon is widely regarded as one of the most promising anode materials for lithium ion and next-generation lithium batteries because of its high theoretical specific capacity. However, major issues arise from the large volume changes during alloying with lithium. In recent years, much effort has been spent on preparing nanostructured silicon and optimizing various aspects of material processing with the goal of preserving the electrode integrity upon lithiation/delithiation.