Solid State Batteries (SSBs) have emerged as a promising successor to Li ion batteries due to their higher energy density, longer lifespan, and enhanced safety. In particular, a cathode tape composed of Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide (NMC) particles was opened after 200 cycles in a glovebox, cross-sectioned ex-situ, and measured using AFM-in-SEM.

With AFM-in-SEM LiteScope, we measured EDS, SEM, and conductive AFM of the same area of the cathode in the cross-section. Using SEM imaging, we identified the polished area of interest. The EDS map reveals the cathode tape‘s elemental composition, identifying the solid electrolyte, NMC particles, and carbon additive. C-AFM confirms the high conductivity of the carbon additive and its role in interparticle connectivity. This AFM-in-SEM correlation helps distinguish material functions or failures while keeping the sample surface unchanged.