X-ray imaging for structural evolution and phase transformation dynamics of battery electrodes

The impending energy crisis entails sustainable battery technologies with improved energy density, reliability, safety and lifetime. Hence, it is essential to gain detailed insights into the surface reactions, ionic diffusion, structural and morphological evolution, and degradation mechanisms of battery electrodes. Recently, X-ray techniques emerged as revolutionary tools to reveal an in-depth understanding of the battery during operations. This review provides an overview of the use of in situ/operando X-ray techniques to understand the different functionalities of electrode materials inside the battery. It will focus on the phase transformation, structural evolution and dynamic properties of the battery electrodes, and discuss the relationship between battery failure and electro-chemo-mechanical failure in the electrode. Finally, the limitations of these methods are also discussed with the prospects for effective use of these techniques in the development of advanced battery technologies.