Operando real-space imaging of a structural phase transformation in the high-voltage electrode LixNi0.5Mn1.5O4

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Discontinuous solid-solid phase transformations play a pivotal role in determining the properties of rechargeable battery electrodes. By leveraging operando Bragg Coherent Diffractive Imaging (BCDI), we investigate the discontinuous phase transformation in Li x Ni 0.5 Mn 1.5 O 4 within an operational Li metal coin cell. Throughout Li-intercalation, we directly observe the nucleation and growth of the Li-rich phase within the initially charged Li-poor phase in a 500 nm particle. Supported by the microelasticity model, the operando imaging unveils an evolution from a curved coherent to a planar semi-coherent interface driven by dislocation dynamics. Our data indicates negligible kinetic limitations from interface propagation impacting the transformation kinetics, even at a discharge rate of C/2 (80 mA/g). This study highlights BCDI’s capability to decode complex operando diffraction data, offering exciting opportunities to study nanoscale phase transformations with various stimuli.

Source: Nature Communications

DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-55010-6

Authors: Yifei Sun, Sunny Hy, Nelson Hua, James Wingert, Ross Harder, Ying Shirley Meng, Oleg Shpyrko, Andrej Singer

Institutions: Cornell University, University of California San Diego, Paul Scherrer Institute, Argonne National Laboratory, Advanced Photon Source, University of Chicago

Language: English

Topic: Advancements in Battery Materials

Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $6,790

Funders: National Science Foundation, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, University of California, San Diego, Division of Materials Research, Basic Energy Sciences, Argonne National Laboratory

OpenAlex ID: W4405892617