Operando real-space imaging of a structural phase transformation in the high-voltage electrode Li_xNi_0.5Mn_1.5O₄.

ABSTRACT: Discontinuous solid-solid phase transformations play a pivotal role in determining the properties of rechargeable battery electrodes. By leveraging operando Bragg Coherent Diffractive Imaging (BCDI), we investigate the discontinuous phase transformation in Li_xNi_0.5Mn_1.5O₄ within an operational Li metal coin cell. Throughout Li-intercalation, we directly observe the nucleation and growth of the Li-rich phase within the initially charged Li-poor phase in a 500 nm particle. Supported by the microelasticity model, the operando imaging unveils an evolution from a curved coherent to a planar semi-coherent interface driven by dislocation dynamics. Our data indicates negligible kinetic limitations from interface propagation impacting the transformation k

SUBMITTER: Sun Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11685944 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature