Abstract
Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) has considerable potential as a cathode in batteries for automotive applications due to its high rate capability, reasonable energy density and environmentally benign nature [1]. However, performance degradation seen after thousands of cycles at high charging-rates (C-Rates) has been a point of major concern [2]. Studies of the aging mechanism suggest that phases (LiFePO4/FePO4) formed in the cathode during discharge influence the aging profile [3]. Previously, we used electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) to demonstrate the use of Li-K edge for identifying lithium in the sample with a potential for quantification [4]. This required a modified procedure for focused ion beam (FIB) milling to minimize ion beam damage during sample preparation [5]. We reduced beam dosage in the electron microscope to prevent knock-on damage to the lithium in the sample. Lithium content, combined with information of the oxidation state of iron, can be used to identify the phases formed upon intercalation. The study was able to identify fine variations in the Li-K edge structure, and hence, phase composition in nanoparticles inside the LiFePO4 composite electrode.
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