X-ray Nanocomputed Tomography in Zernike Phase Contrast for Studying 3D Morphology of Li–O₂ Battery Electrode

Abstract

We investigated the lithium peroxide (Li2O2) and pore size distribution in lithium–O2 battery electrodes at different states of charge using transmission X-ray microscopy coupled with Zernike phase contrast to carry out nanocomputed tomography. We report that such a technique enables us, at the nanoscale, to distinguish light elements such as carbon and Li2O2 in Li–O2 battery cathode electrodes. We verified by wave-propagation simulation that this approach efficiently improves the contrast of images in comparison with pure absorption. The Li2O2 distribution and thickness, interphases, and pore network are visualized and quantified, giving a valuable insight into our cathode architecture. From this 3D analysis, we highlight modifications of the air-cathode morphology and the Li2O2 spatial organization as well as their potential implication in terms of carbon surface passivation and pore-clogging. After the full recharge process, this technique can also reveal the spatial distribution of the residual Li2O2 and other byproducts.