Abstract
X-ray computed tomography (CT) has emerged as a powerful tool for the 3D characterisation of materials. However, in order to obtain a useful tomogram, sufficient image quality should be achieved in the radiographs before reconstruction into a 3D dataset. The ratio of signal- and contrast-to-noise (SNR and CNR, respectively) quantify the image quality and are largely determined by the transmission and detection of photons that have undergone useful interactions with the sample. Theoretical transmission can be predicted if only a few variables are known: the material chemistry and penetrating thickness e.g. the particle diameter. This work discusses the calculations required to obtain transmission values for various Li(NiXMnYCoZ)O2 (NMC) lithium-ion battery cathodes. These calculations produce reference plots for quick assessment of beam parameters when designing an experiment. This is then extended to the theoretical material thicknesses for optimum image contrast. Finally, the theoretically predicted transmission is validated through comparison to experimentally determined values. These calculations are not exclusive to NMC, nor battery materials, but may be applied as a framework to calculate various sample transmissions and therefore may aid in the design and characterisation of numerous materials.
Highlights
IntroductionVarious approaches are being pursued in order to mitigate degradation, and due to the complexity of the issues, a range of characterisation techniques are required
As mentioned within the introduction, LIB materials that fulfill all of the necessary performance requirements, such as NMC, often require complex chemistries consisting of several elements, Ni, Mn, Co
This work outlines the methodologies that allow X-ray computed tomography (CT) experiments to be intelligently planned in order to optimise data quality, for LIB cathode materials
Summary
Various approaches are being pursued in order to mitigate degradation, and due to the complexity of the issues, a range of characterisation techniques are required. Laboratory-based instruments are capable of producing spatial resolutions comparable to those achievable at specialist synchrotron facilities [8,9]. Considerable improvements have been made with respect to laboratory-based spatial resolutions, temporal limitations remain a hindrance; the brilliance of an X-ray beam from a synchrotron source can be expected to be orders of magnitude higher than a laboratory-based system [10]. In situ and operando investigations have required the design of bespoke cell housings in order to charge and discharge battery materials while still achieving sufficient image quality [13]
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