Synchrotron Near-Field Infrared Nanospectroscopy and Nanoimaging of Lithium Fluoride in Solid Electrolyte Interphases in Li-Ion Battery Anodes

Synchrotron Near-Field Infrared Nanospectroscopy and Nanoimaging of Lithium Fluoride in Solid Electrolyte Interphases in Li-Ion Battery Anodes

Abstract

Lithium fluoride (LiF) is a ubiquitous component in the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer in Li-ion batteries. However, its nanoscale structure, morphology, and topology, important factors for understanding LiF and SEI film functionality, including electrode passivity, are often unknown due to limitations in spatial resolution of common characterization techniques. Ultrabroadband near-field synchrotron infrared nanospectroscopy (SINS) enables such detection and mapping of LiF in SEI layers in the far-infrared region down to ca. 322 cm–1 with a nanoscale spatial resolution of ca. 20 nm. The surface sensitivity of SINS and the large infrared absorption cross section of LiF, which can support local surface phonons under certain circumstances, enabled characterization of model LiF samples of varying structure, thickness, surface roughness, and degree of crystallinity, as confirmed by atomic force microscopy, attenuated total reflectance FTIR, SINS, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, high-angle annular dark-field, and scanning transmission electron microscopy. Enabled by this approach, LiF within SEI films formed on Cu, Si, and metallic glass Si40Al50Fe10 electrodes was detected and characterized. The nanoscale morphologies and topologies of LiF in these SEI layers were evaluated to gain insights into LiF nucleation, growth, and the resulting nuances in the electrode surface passivity.

Speaker

Andrew Dopilka

Andrew is a postdoctoral researcher in Robert Kostecki's group. He is investigating the inherent instability of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) on Si anodes in Li-ion batteries. By implementing in situ sSNOM-based infrared nanospectroscopy, the nanoscale inhomogenities of the SEI can be correlated to its electrochemical stability under realistic operating conditions. Andrew recieved a Ph.D in Materials Science and Engineering in 2021 under the supervision of Professor Candace K. Chan and a B.S.E in Chemical Engineering from Arizona State University. His doctoral worked involved investigating Tetrel clathrates,a type of host guest structure, as novel anodes for Li-ion battery materials. The structural transformations of the clathrates during lithiation were investigated with a combination of electrochemical, structural, and first principles computational methods. Andrew is broadly interested in understanding the fundamental phonemona of energy storage materials in addition to developing novel synthetic methods to realize unique properties. Google Scholar

Date/Time
Monday, June 10, 2024 - 03:00pm to 03:30pm
Type
Seminar