IntraParticle electronic conductivity

The cycling of batteries involves the transport of lithium ions from the cathode to the anode and vice versa, which causes the electrode particles to expand and contract. Over many cycles, the battery performance decreases. Understanding these degradation mechanisms is crucial for longer battery lifetime and better performance.

We used C-AFM to image a secondary particle from an NMC cathode of a liquid electrolyte (LE) battery after 200 cycles. It revealed a unique conductivity structure of primary particles and cracks formed during cycling. Primary particles tend to be less conductive near the center, with random conductivity variations. Local C-AFM shows some primary particles lost electrical contact due to cracks, significantly affecting overall battery performance.

Measurement modes: AFM topography, C-AFM, SEM

LiteScope benefits:

Transfer from the Broad Ion Beam or Glovebox to the AFM-in-SEM system without any exposure to air.
Precise navigation to the region of interest.
Failure analysis from the combined C-AFM and SEM images.

Sample courtesy of Tomáš Kazda, FEEC BUT.

Acknowledgement: Peter Priecel, Thermo Fisher Scientific

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LiteScope AFM-in-SEM