Laboratory x-ray microscopy study of microcrack evolution in a novel sodium iron titanate-based cathode material for li-ion batteries

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Viktor Shapovalov - , Southern Federal University (Author)
  • Kristina Kutukova - , Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramic Technologies and Systems (Author)
  • Sebastian Maletti - , Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramic Technologies and Systems (Author)
  • Christian Heubner - , Chair of Inorganic Non-Metallic Materials (Author)
  • Vera Butova - , Southern Federal University (Author)
  • Igor Shukaev - , Southern Federal University (Author)
  • Alexander Guda - , Southern Federal University (Author)
  • Alexander Soldatov - , Southern Federal University (Author)
  • Ehrenfried Zschech - , deepXscan GmbH (Author)

Abstract

The long-term performance of batteries depends strongly on the 3D morphology of electrode materials. Morphological changes, i.e., particle fracture and surface deterioration, are among the most prominent sources of electrode degradation. A profound understanding of the fracture mechanics of electrode materials in micro-and nanoscale dimensions requires the use of advanced in situ and operando techniques. In this paper, we demonstrate the capabilities of laboratory X-ray microscopy and nano X-ray computed tomography (nano-XCT) for the non-destructive study of the electrode material’s 3D morphology and defects, such as microcracks, at sub-micron resolution. We investigate the morphology of Na0.9Fe0.45Ti1.55O4 sodium iron titanate (NFTO) cathode material in Li-ion batteries using laboratory-based in situ and operando X-ray microscopy. The impact of the morphology on the degradation of battery materials, particularly the size-and density-dependence of the fracture behavior of the particles, is revealed based on a semi-quantitative analysis of the formation and propagation of microcracks in particles. Finally, we discuss design concepts of the operando cells for the study of electrochemical processes.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Article number3
JournalCrystals
Volume12
Issue number1
Publication statusPublished - Jan 2022
Peer-reviewedYes

Keywords

Keywords

  • 3D imaging, Battery, Cathode material, Crack formation, Crack propagation, Degradation process, Operando study, X-ray computed tomography, X-ray microscopy