Abstract:
Progress in next generation batteries requires detailed understanding of the key processes that determine battery performance. However, often these processes are hard to detect, in particular during battery operation. In this presentation we will show our recent work that aims at monitoring the Li-ion transport with operando Neutron Depth Profiling and the phase transition kinetics of individual electrode grains with operando micro beam diffraction in Li-ion batteries. The charge transport in all solid state batteries is unraveled using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and Density Functional Theory Molecular Dynamics simulations. In Li-air batteries operando X-ray diffraction is used to monitor the discharge product growth and decomposition, giving detailed insight in the influence of the nature of the electrolyte. With this fundamental battery research we hope to provide the fundamental understanding necessary to improve future battery performance.