Study of Rechargeable Batteries Using Advanced Spectroscopic and Computational Techniques

Bernardo Barbiellini,Rolando Saniz,Jan Kuriplach

doi:10.3390/condmat6030026

Abstract

Improving the efficiency and longevity of energy storage systems based on Li- and Na-ion rechargeable batteries presents a major challenge. The main problems are essentially capacity loss and limited cyclability. These effects are due to a hierarchy of factors spanning various length and time scales, interconnected in a complex manner. As a consequence, and in spite of several decades of research, a proper understanding of the ageing process has remained somewhat elusive. In recent years, however, combinations of advanced spectroscopy techniques and first-principles simulations have been applied with success to tackle this problem. In this Special Issue, we are pleased to present a selection of articles that, by precisely applying these methods, unravel key aspects of the reduction–oxidation reaction and intercalation processes. Furthermore, the approaches presented provide improvements to standard diagnostic and characterisation techniques, enabling the detection of possible Li-ion flow bottlenecks causing the degradation of capacity and cyclability.

Highlights

Energy storage systems are commonplace in small handheld devices, but they are being used more and more as a power source in larger scale applications, as an alternative or complement to fossil fuels
Li-ion battery (LIB) technology [1,2,3,4] is largely used for such applications
The role of internal interfaces in Li migration occurring in Li-ion batteries can be studied using first-principles simulations based on density functional theory (DFT) combined with positron annihilation spectroscopy [21]

Summary

Introduction

Energy storage systems are commonplace in small handheld devices, but they are being used more and more as a power source in larger scale applications, as an alternative or complement to fossil fuels. Li-ion battery (LIB) technology [1,2,3,4] is largely used for such applications. This technology, has several shortcomings, the most important being its limited energy density and lifetime, the latter currently in the range of a few years. Answering these questions in a way relevant to the lithium industry can have important societal impacts [7,8]. The challenges in this endeavour are many. The research activities reported in this Special Issue tackle these challenges at different levels using various approaches

Advanced Battery Characterisation

Conclusions