Better understanding of processes such as solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) formation have been of great interest to overcome performance limitations of batteries for vehicle applications, but research has been hindered by an inability to observe electrochemical processes directly during battery cycling. A small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) based approach has recently been developed to observe electrochemical processes utilizing an ordered mesoporous hard carbon electrode with a high surface area that is of interest for high capacity, high power applications. An evolution occurs in the SEI layer during discharge that is reflected in a change in the scattering length density in the mesopores, while changes in the microstructure are reflected in the average pore-pore separation. This work has recently been extended to address understanding of the use of different electrodes and electrolytes to control SEI formation. Recent progress obtained by in situ SANS will be presented and discussed.

In situ small-angle neutron scattering studies of battery electrodes

248th National Meeting (2014)

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