Recent development of operando neutron diffraction and its application in studying energy storage materials

Abstract

Neutron scattering has unique advantages for battery research. Neutron scattering is very sensitive to light elements (e.g., H, Li, C, and O), which are the most important ingredients for rechargeable Li/Na - ion batteries. It can also distinguish adjacent transition metal (TM) cations (e.g., Mn, Fe, and Ni) in battery cathodes, especially when conducting isotope substitution experiments. This capability allows accurate investigation of how cation arrangements affect the electrochemistry performance of variou s rechargeable battery cathodes. Neutron scattering can also be used to probe dynamics, particularly ligand anion vibration/lattice dynamic and ionic diffusions, in both electrode and electrolyte materials.