<i>Operando</i>characterization of batteries using x-ray absorption spectroscopy: advances at the beamline XAFS at synchrotron Elettra

Abstract

X-ray absorption spectroscopy is a synchrotron radiation based technique that is able to&#13;\nprovide information on both local structure and electronic properties in a chemically selective&#13;\nmanner. It can be used to characterize the dynamic processes that govern the electrochemical&#13;\nenergy storage in batteries, and to shed light on the redox chemistry and changes in structure&#13;\nduring galvanostatic cycling to design cathode materials with improved properties. Operando&#13;\nXAS studies have been performed at beamline XAFS at Elettra on different systems. For&#13;\nLi-ion batteries, a multiedge approach revealed the role of the different cathode components&#13;\nduring the charge and discharge of the battery. In addition, Li-S batteries for automotive&#13;\napplications were studied. Operando sulfur K-edge XANES and EXAFS analysis was used to&#13;\ncharacterize the redox chemistry of sulfur, and to relate the electrochemical mechanism to its&#13;\nlocal structure.