Operando Quantification of Solution Li+ in Li-Ion Batteries

What if you could see inside a Li-ion battery while you operate it? This is the concept behind “ operando ” methodologies which allow researchers to experimentally observe fundamental processes that occur within batteries during charge and discharge. Our team recently developed a new methodology employing synchrotron X-ray fluorescence and X-ray diffraction simultaneously. This method provides crucial information about mass transport limitations in both the solid and solution phase of Li-ion batteries which was previously unavailable. This new method can 1) validate the predictive power of established P2D battery models, 2) conclusively quantify complex transport mechanisms in structured electrodes and 3) fundamentally change the approach to the rational design of new electrode architectures.