Multimodal Characterization of the Morphology and Functional Interfaces in Composite Electrodes for Li-S Batteries by Li Ion and Electron Beams.

We report the characterization of multiscale 3D structural architectures of novel poly[sulfur-random-(1,3-diisopropenylbenzene)] copolymer-based cathodes for high-energy-density Li-S batteries capable of realizing discharge capacities >1000 mAh/g and long cycling lifetimes >500 cycles. Hierarchical morphologies and interfacial structures have been investigated by a combination of focused Li ion beam (LiFIB) and analytical electron microscopy in relation to the electrochemical performance and physicomechanical stability of the cathodes. Charge-free surface topography and composition-sensitive imaging of the electrodes was performed using recently introduced low-energy scanning LiFIB with Li probe sizes of a few tens of nanometers at 5 keV energy and 1 pA probe current.

Giant Surface Conductivity Enhancement in a Carbon Nanotube Composite by Ultraviolet Light Exposure.

Carbon nanotube composites are lightweight, multifunctional materials with readily adjustable mechanical and electrical properties-relevant to the aerospace, automotive, and sporting goods industries as high-performance structural materials. Here, we combine well-established and newly developed characterization techniques to demonstrate that ultraviolet (UV) light exposure provides a controllable means to enhance the electrical conductivity of the surface of a commercial carbon nanotube-epoxy composite by over 5 orders of magnitude. Our observations, combined with theory and simulations, reveal that the increase in conductivity is due to the formation of a concentrated layer of nanotubes on the composite surface.

Imaging Nanophotonic Modes of Microresonators using a Focused Ion Beam.

Optical microresonators have proven powerful in a wide range of applications, including cavity quantum electrodynamics, biosensing, microfludics, and cavity optomechanics. Their performance depends critically on the exact distribution of optical energy, confined and shaped by the nanoscale device geometry. Near-field optical probes can image this distribution, but the physical probe necessarily perturbs the near field, which is particularly problematic for sensitive high quality factor resonances.

Comparison of Nanoscale Focused Ion Beam and Electrochemical Lithiation in -Sn Microspheres.

The development of Li focused ion beams (Li-FIB) enables controlled Li ion insertion into materials with nanoscale resolution. We take the first step toward establishing the relevance of the Li-FIB for studies of ion dynamics in electrochemically active materials by comparing FIB lithiation with conventional electrochemical lithiation of isolated -Sn microspheres. Samples are characterized by cross-sectioning with Ga FIB and imaging via electron microscopy.

Scanning ion microscopy with low energy lithium ions.

Using an ion source based on photoionization of laser-cooled lithium atoms, we have developed a scanning ion microscope with probe sizes of a few tens of nanometers and beam energies from 500eV to 5keV. These beam energies are much lower than the typical operating energies of the helium ion microscope or gallium focused ion beam systems. We demonstrate how low energy can be advantageous in ion microscopy when detecting backscattered ions, due to a decreased interaction volume and the potential for surface sensitive composition analysis.