锂电池原位与非原位表征技术研究

锂电池的电化学性能与电子及离子在体相与界面的输运、反应、储存行为有关. 从原子尺度到宏观尺度,对电池材料在平衡态与非平衡态过程的电子结构、晶体结构、微观形貌、化学组成、物理性质的演化研究对于理解锂离子电池中各类构效关系至关重要,这需要综合多种原位与非原位表征技术. 目前,基础研究处于前沿的发达国家在这些方面取得了卓有成效的进展. 本文简介了中国科学院物理研究所近年来通过国内外合作,采用原位X射线衍射（in-situ XRD）、原位X射线吸收谱（in-situ XAS）、准原位/原位扫描电镜（quasi/in-situ SEM）、球差校正扫描透射电镜（HAADF/ABF-STEM）、扫描力曲线（Force-Curve）、中子衍射（Neutron Diffraction）、热重-差示扫描量热-质谱联用（TG-DSC-MS）、表面增强拉曼（SERS）等技术研究锂离子电池电极材料结构演化方面的进展,并对未来锂离子电池研究中先进表征技术的发展进行了简要的探讨.     

Understanding High-Rate K+-Solvent Co-Intercalation in Natural Graphite for Potassium-Ion Batteries

Graphite shows great potential as an anode material for rechargeable metal-ion batteries because of its high abundance and low cost. However, the electrochemical performance of graphite anode materials for rechargeable potassium-ion batteries needs to be further improved. Reported herein is a natural graphite with superior rate performance and cycling stability obtained through a unique K⁺-solvent co-intercalation mechanism in a 1 m KCF₃SO₃ diethylene glycol dimethyl ether electrolyte. The co-intercalation mechanism was demonstrated by ex situ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and in situ X-ray diffraction. Moreover, the structure of the [K-solvent]⁺ complexes intercalated with the graphite and the conditions for reversible K⁺-solvent co-intercalation into graphite are proposed based on the experimental results and first-principles calculations. This work provides important insights into the design of natural graphite for high-performance rechargeable potassium-ion batteries.     

The application of synchrotron X-ray techniques to the study of rechargeable batteries

The increased use of rechargeable batteries in portable electronic devices and the continuous development of novel applications(e.g. transportation and large scale energy storage), have raised a strong demand for high performance batteries with increased energy density, cycle and calendar life, safety and lower costs. This triggers significant efforts to reveal the fundamental mechanism determining battery performance with the use of advanced analytical techniques. However, the inherently complex characteristics of battery systems make the mechanism analysis sophisticated and difficult. Synchrotron radiation is an advanced collimated light source with high intensity and tunable energies. It has particular advantages in electronic structure and geometric structure(both the short-range and long-range structure)analysis of materials on different length and time scales. In the past decades, synchrotron X-ray techniques have been widely used to understand the fundamental mechanism and guide the technological optimization of batteries. In particular, in situ and operando techniques with high spatial and temporal resolution, enable the nondestructive, real time dynamic investigation of the electrochemical reaction,and lead to significant deep insights into the battery operation mechanism.This review gives a brief introduction of the application of synchrotron X-ray techniques to the investigation of battery systems. The five widely implicated techniques, including X-ray diffraction(XRD), Pair Distribution Function(PDF), Hard and Soft X-ray absorption spectroscopy(XAS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS) will be reviewed, with the emphasis on their in situ studies of battery systems during cycling.     

Effect of fullerene coating on silicon thin film anodes for lithium rechargeable batteries

To improve the electrochemical performances of Si thin film anodes for lithium rechargeable batteries, fullerene thin films are prepared by plasma-assisted evaporation methods to be used as coating materials. Analyses via Raman and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy indicate that amorphous polymeric films originated from fullerene are formed on the surface of the silicon thin film. The electrochemical performance of these fullerene-coated silicon thin film as an anode material for rechargeable lithium batteries has been investigated by cyclic voltammetry, charge/discharge tests, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The fullerene-coated Si thin films demonstrated a high specific capacity of above 3,000 mAh g⁻¹ as well as good capacity retention for 40 cycles. In comparison with bare silicon anodes, the fullerene-coated silicon thin film showed superior and stable cycle performance which can be attributed to the fullerene coating layer which enhances the Li-ion kinetic property at the electrode/electrolyte interface.     

Synthesis, characterization, and electrochemical properties of self-assembled leaf-like CuO nanostructures

A simple hydrothermal process was used to synthesize the assembled leaf-like copper oxide (CuO) from copper hydroxide and urea in aqueous solution. The field emission scanning electron microscopy revealed that the individual CuO leaf-like nanostructure has a dimension of about 0.5–1.5 μm in length, 50–70 nm in thickness, and 80–110 nm in width, respectively. These CuO nanostructures were structurally characterized by X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy, which showed that the CuO nanostructures prepared from the hydrothermal process have high crystalline properties with a monoclinic structure. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy studies confirmed that the as-prepared sample is composed of CuO, which is consistent with X-ray diffraction patterns. The CuO nanostructures were used as electrode materials for lithium-ion batteries, demonstrating electrochemical properties of a high initial discharge capacity of approximately 1,028 mAh/g along with good cycle stability.     

Cyclability of sulfur/dehydrogenated polyacrylonitrile composite cathode in lithium–sulfur batteries

Sulfur/dehydrogenated polyacrylonitrile composite has been studied as cathode material for lithium–sulfur rechargeable batteries. Nonetheless, capacity fading has been a challenge for the commercialization of batteries. In this study, characterization techniques of scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, elemental analysis, cyclic voltammetry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy are used to investigate the change of cathode properties with charge–discharge cycles. Elemental analysis reveals that sulfur accumulates on the surface of the composite at the end of charge, and the sulfur formation decreases with cycle number. Scanning electron microscopy observations indicate that cathode surface morphology changes significantly after several cycles. By modeling the electrochemical impedance spectra of the cell in different discharge states, we suggest that capacity fading arises mainly from the formation and accumulation of irreversible Li₂S (and Li₂S₂) on the cathode surface.     

Recent progress in the application of in situ atomic force microscopy for rechargeable batteries

High energy density batteries are urgently required for sustainable life. The intrinsic understanding of the reaction mechanism at the interfaces is essential for the progress. In this short overview, recent advances in rechargeable batteries by in situ atomic force microscopy are summarized, providing nanoscale information on the solid product evolution and metal plating/stripping inside working batteries. Besides, the multifunctional imaging of the morphology along with mechanical and electrical properties can be achieved to assist further interfacial design. Extensive applications of in situ atomic force microscopy are encouraged to explore the electrochemical mechanism and advanced engineering.     

Preparation of glass carbon electrode modified with nanocrystalline nickel-decorated carbon nanotubes and electrocatalytic oxidation of methanol in alkaline solution

Nanocrystalline nickel with an average diameter of about 16 nm and a face-centered cubic (fcc) structure was uniformly attached to the surface of carbon nanotubes (CNT) by wet chemistry. The sample was characterized by X-ray powder diffraction and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). A glass carbon electrode modified with nickel-modified multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs-Ni/GCE) was prepared. The electrochemical behavior of the MWCNTs-Ni/GCE and the electrocatalytic oxidation of methanol at the MWCNTs-Ni/GCE were investigated by cyclic voltammetry in 1.0 mol/L NaOH solution. The cyclic voltammograms showed that the electron transfer between β-Ni(OH)₂ and β-NiOOH is mainly a diffusion-controlled quasireversible process, and that the electrode has high catalytic activity for the electrooxidation of methanol in alkaline medium, revealing its potential application in alkaline rechargeable batteries and fuel cells. __________ Translated from Chinese Journal of Applied Chemistry, 2007, 24(5): 503–506 [译自: 应用化学]     

Understanding High‐Rate K+‐Solvent Co‐Intercalation in Natural Graphite for Potassium‐Ion Batteries

Graphite shows great potential as an anode material for rechargeable metal‐ion batteries because of its high abundance and low cost. However, the electrochemical performance of graphite anode materials for rechargeable potassium‐ion batteries needs to be further improved. Reported herein is a natural graphite with superior rate performance and cycling stability obtained through a unique K⁺‐solvent co‐intercalation mechanism in a 1 m KCF₃SO₃ diethylene glycol dimethyl ether electrolyte. The co‐intercalation mechanism was demonstrated by ex situ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and in situ X‐ray diffraction. Moreover, the structure of the [K‐solvent]⁺ complexes intercalated with the graphite and the conditions for reversible K⁺‐solvent co‐intercalation into graphite are proposed based on the experimental results and first‐principles calculations. This work provides important insights into the design of natural graphite for high‐performance rechargeable potassium‐ion batteries.     

Deciphering an Abnormal Layered-Tunnel Heterostructure Induced by Chemical Substitution for the Sodium Oxide Cathode

Demands for large-scale energy storage systems have driven the development of layered transition-metal oxide cathodes for room-temperature rechargeable sodium ion batteries (SIBs). Now, an abnormal layered-tunnel heterostructure Na_0.44Co_0.1Mn_0.9O₂ cathode material induced by chemical element substitution is reported. By virtue of beneficial synergistic effects, this layered-tunnel electrode shows outstanding electrochemical performance in sodium half-cell system and excellent compatibility with hard carbon anode in sodium full-cell system. The underlying formation process, charge compensation mechanism, phase transition, and sodium-ion storage electrochemistry are clearly articulated and confirmed through combined analyses of in situ high-energy X-ray diffraction and ex situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy as well as operando X-ray diffraction. This crystal structure engineering regulation strategy offers a future outlook into advanced cathode materials for SIBs.     

Halide‐Based Materials and Chemistry for Rechargeable Batteries

Rechargeable batteries are considered one of the most effective energy storage technologies to bridge the production and consumption of renewable energy. The further development of rechargeable batteries with characteristics such as high energy density, low cost, safety, and a long cycle life is required to meet the ever‐increasing energy‐storage demands. This Review highlights the progress achieved with halide‐based materials in rechargeable batteries, including the use of halide electrodes, bulk and/or surface halogen‐doping of electrodes, electrolyte design, and additives that enable fast ion shuttling and stable electrode/electrolyte interfaces, as well as realization of new battery chemistry. Battery chemistry based on monovalent cation, multivalent cation, anion, and dual‐ion transfer is covered. This Review aims to promote the understanding of halide‐based materials to stimulate further research and development in the area of high‐performance rechargeable batteries. It also offers a perspective on the exploration of new materials and systems for electrochemical energy storage.     

Oxalic acid sensors based on sol–gel nanostructured TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> films

Titanium (IV) oxide semiconducting layers were prepared by means of the templated sol–gel method and deposited on conductive ITO substrates. The films were described by a series of techniques involving X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray reflectivity (XRR), atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis). The photo-excitation properties of the films were characterized by electrochemical tests and evaluated from the obtained polarization curves. The generated photocurrents were measured in the presence of the hole-scavengers—oxalic acid and formic acid in the electrolyte. It was shown that especially in the case of oxalic acid the developed system can be used as an efficient and simpler concentration sensor. The relationship between values of the generated photocurrent and the layers’ thicknesses was also investigated.     

Effects of Sintering Temperature and Press Pressure on the Microstructure and Electrochemical Behaviour of the Ag2O/GO Nanocomposite

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of press pressure and sintering temperature on the microstructure and electrochemical performance of silver oxide-graphene oxide composite as a novel electrode produced by the powder metallurgy (PM) route. Scanning electron microscopy method used to investigate the microstructure of electrodes and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis method was used for point analysis. Potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy methods were used to research the effects of sintering temperature and press pressure on the electrochemical behaviour in the 1.4 wt % KOH solution and electrical discharge test was used for evaluate the ultimate electrical capacity of silver oxide-zinc batteries with electrolyte of the 1.4 wt % KOH solution.

     

The effect of milling on the performance of a Mo6S8 Chevrel phase as a cathode material for rechargeable Mg batteries

In the present study, we explored how milling Mo₆S₈ Chevrel phase in inert or air atmosphere affects their electrochemical behavior as a Mg-ion insertion material for rechargeable Mg batteries. Electrochemical tools such as slow scan rate cyclic voltammograms and potentiostatic intermittent titration technique have been used in conjunction with X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and electron microscopy. In contrast to the deterioration observed for milling Mo₆S₈ in air, its milling under Ar results in specific capacity increase due to improved Mg-ion diffusion kinetics. It was shown that in spite of the conservation of the bulk crystallographic structure, both for air and the Ar-milled materials, they differ significantly in the average particle sizes and the degree of surface oxidation state.Dedicated to Prof. G. Horanyi on the occasion of his 70th birthday     

欠电位沉积研究现状——II.欠电位沉积的研究方法及其应用

总结了主要的欠电位沉积(upd)的原位研究方法, 包括电化学研究方法(循环伏安(CV)、计时电流(CHR)和电化学阻抗谱(EIS))、界面分析方法(电化学石英晶体微天平(EQCM)和电化学扫描隧道显微镜/电化学原子力显微镜(ECSTM/ECAFM))及X射线分析技术(X 射线吸收谱(XAS)和表面X射线散射(SXS)). 根据这些研究方法, 总结和探讨了许多体系的upd特征, 分析了upd微观特征与宏观的测试结果的对应关系及其原理. 此外, 探讨了基于这些研究方法得出的关于upd的重要结论, 并对比分析了上述研究方法的优缺点. 在upd应用领域的研究方面, 主要从四个方面进行了概述, 涉及功能材料电合成、电分析应用、电化学原子层外延(ECALE)和表征贵金属(或纳米)材料电化学活性面积(ECSA), 并简析了上述应用研究中涉及的关于upd 过程的原理. 最后, 总结了upd研究方法和应用研究的现状并展望了其未来发展趋势.     

Application of In Situ Techniques for the Characterization of NiFe‐Based Oxygen Evolution Reaction (OER) Electrocatalysts

Developing high‐efficiency and affordable electrocatalysts for the sluggish oxygen evolution reaction (OER) remains a crucial bottleneck on the way to the practical applications of rechargeable energy storage technologies and water splitting for producing clean fuel (H₂). In recent years, NiFe‐based materials have proven to be excellent electrocatalysts for OER. Understanding the characteristics that affect OER activity and determining the OER mechanism are of vital importance for the development of OER electrocatalysts. Therefore, in situ characterization techniques performed under OER conditions are urgently needed to monitor the key intermediates together with identifying the OER active centers and phases. In this Minireview, recent advances regarding in situ techniques for the characterization of NiFe‐based electrocatalysts are thoroughly summarized, including Raman spectroscopy, X‐ray absorption spectroscopy, ambient pressure X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Mössbauer spectroscopy, Ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, differential electrochemical mass spectrometry, and surface interrogation scanning electrochemical microscopy. The results from these in situ measurements not only reveal the structural transformation and the progressive oxidation of the catalytic species under OER conditions, but also disclose the crucial role of Ni and Fe during the OER. Finally, the need for developing new in situ techniques and theoretical investigations is discussed to better understand the OER mechanism and design promising OER electrocatalysts.     

Ni(OH)2纳米管的制备、表征及电化学性能

以多孔氧化铝为模板, 在不同溶液浓度下, 用化学沉积法制备了氢氧化镍纳米管. 采用XRD, SEM, TEM和HRTEM等手段, 对产物的物相、表面形貌及微结构进行了表征. 结果表明所得产物是高纯度的氢氧化镍纳米管, 外径约为180～220 nm, 管壁厚20～30 nm. 将所制备的氢氧化镍纳米管制成电极, 其电化学性能测试表明, Ni(OH)₂纳米管的中空结构特点, 能够有效地提高镍电极的充电效率、放电比容量、高倍率及高温放电性能. 机理分析表明中空结构的Ni(OH)₂纳米管对于提高碱性二次电池的综合性能有着极为重要的意义.     

Corrosion of Ni in 1-butyl-1-methyl-pyrrolidinium bis (trifluoromethylsulfonyl) amide room-temperature ionic liquid: an in situ X-ray imaging and spectromicroscopy study

This paper reports a pioneering application of soft X-ray scanning transmission microscopy (STXM), combined with micro-spot X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), for the investigation of the corrosion of metal electrodes in contact with room-temperature ionic liquids (RTIL). Using an open electrochemical cell in vacuo we explore some fundamental aspects of the aggressiveness of the 1-butyl-1-methyl-pyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)amide ([BMP][TFSA]) RTIL towards Ni under in situ electrochemical polarisation. The possibility of imaging electrochemically-induced morphological features in conjunction with micro-XAS and XRF spectroscopies has provided unprecedented details regarding the space distribution and chemical state of corrosion products.     

Solid-state NMR studies of coatings and interfaces in batteries

As the need for energy storage increases, battery technology continues to be developed and improved – aiming for rechargeable batteries that store more energy, charge faster, last longer, and are more sustainable. Solid-state NMR spectroscopy has emerged as a versatile technique for studying both the local structure and ion mobility of battery materials. Here, we explore the use of solid-state NMR to study coatings and interfaces within batteries. We focus on the study of the electrode–electrolyte interphases that form as a product of battery cycling, and artificial coatings that are used in batteries to improve their performance and longevity – both of which can have a crucial impact on battery performance. We also explore the experimental considerations that need to be taken into account, and how advances in NMR methodology have allowed thin coatings and interfaces to be studied.     

Electrodeposition of platinum–nickel alloy nanocomposites on polyaniline-multiwalled carbon nanotubes for carbon monoxide redox

An electrochemical method was developed to deposit platinum (Pt)–nickel (Ni) alloy nanocomposites on polyaniline-multiwalled carbon nanotubes (Pt–Ni/PAN/MWCNTs). The material was characterized by various methods including field emission scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and electrochemical techniques. An appreciably improved catalysis toward oxidation of carbon monoxide (CO) was observed at the Pt–Ni/PAN/MWCNTs nanocomposites (real ratio of Pt–Ni of 17:1), which was interpreted by a mechanism based on the bifunctional catalysis. The successful preparation of Pt–Ni/PAN/MWCNTs nanocomposites opens a new path to synthesize the promising catalysts for CO.