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Title: In situ x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis of electrochemical interfaces in battery: Recent advances and remaining challenges

Journal Article · · Journal of Vacuum Science and Technology A
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1116/6.0001460 · OSTI ID:1838055

An in-depth understanding of charge transfer processes at the electrochemical interfaces is a critical knowledge gap impeding the design of energy storage materials. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy plays an important role in analyzing electronic structures of heterogeneous interfaces, such as electrode-electrolyte interphases. Correspondingly, ex situ studies based on postmortem analysis of electrode materials using x-ray techniques are widely reported in the literature but often fail to capture intermediate and transient species, which are critical for a predictive understanding of the charge transfer process. The lack of extensive in situ/operando x-ray analysis of buried interfaces in energy storage systems can be mainly attributed to technical limitations, such as the requirement of high vacuum conditions. However, in the past decade, considerable efforts have been devoted to overcoming these technical barriers and enable investigation of the solid/solid and solid/liquid interfaces. This review catalogs some of the recent progresses and new experimental designs in the application of in situ and operando x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy toward characterizing interfacial processes and emergent properties, which can help build the design strategy for advanced batteries. The remaining challenges and future research directions are also discussed, as potential paths forward in this field.

Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
Grant/Contract Number:
AC05-76RL01830
OSTI ID:
1838055
Journal Information:
Journal of Vacuum Science and Technology A, Journal Name: Journal of Vacuum Science and Technology A Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 40; ISSN 0734-2101
Publisher:
American Vacuum SocietyCopyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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