Exploring 3D microstructural evolution in Li-Sulfur battery electrodes using in-situ X-ray tomography
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Date
2016-09-17
Authors
Yermukhambetova, Assiya
Tan, Chun
Daemi, Sohrab R.
Bakenov, Zhumabay
Darr, Jawwad A.
Brett, Daniel J. L.
Shearing, Paul R.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
www.nature.com/scientificreports
Abstract
Lithium sulfur (Li-S) batteries offer higher theoretical specific capacity, lower cost and enhanced safety compared to current Li-ion battery technology. However, the multiple reactions and phase changes in the sulfur conversion cathode result in highly complex phenomena that significantly impact cycling life. For the first time to the authors’ knowledge, a multi-scale 3D in-situ tomography approach is used
to characterize morphological parameters and track microstructural evolution of the sulfur cathode across multiple charge cycles. Here we show the uneven distribution of the sulfur phase fraction within the electrode thickness as a function of charge cycles, suggesting significant mass transport limitations within thick-film sulfur cathodes. Furthermore, we report a shift towards larger particle sizes and a
decrease in volume specific surface area with cycling, suggesting sulfur agglomeration. Finally, we demonstrate the nano-scopic length-scale required for the features of the carbon binder domain to become discernible, confirming the need for future work on in-situ nano-tomography. We anticipate that X-ray tomography will be a powerful tool for optimization of electrode structures for Li-S batteries.
Description
Keywords
3D microstructural evolution, Li-Sulfur battery
Citation
Assiya Yermukhambetova, Chun Tan, Sohrab R. Daemi, Zhumabay Bakenov, Jawwad A. Darr, Daniel J. L. Brett1 & Paul R. Shearing (2016) Exploring 3D microstructural evolution in Li-Sulfur battery electrodes using in-situ X-ray tomography. www.nature.com/scientificreports