Spatiotemporal-scale neutron studies on lithium-ion batteries and beyond

Abstract

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are remarkable electrochemical energy storage systems, which play a critical role in modern society. Demanding new applications have been pushing for further battery advancements, such as developments of all-solid-state and sodium-ion batteries. However, both the LIBs and these new technologies still face challenges that limit their full realization. These include irreversible electrochemical reactions, electrode structure degradations, and surface/interface side reactions. Solving them requires comprehensive characterizations of battery systems over multiple length and time scales. Among the advanced probing techniques, neutron-based ones have unique advantages in exploring battery material structures, ionic diffusions, electrochemical reactions, and cell failure mechanisms, information that will aid the development of next-generation high-performance battery systems. In this Perspective, we briefly review the principles and characteristics of various neutron techniques and their recent applications in battery system studies. Operando neutron characterizations of batteries on spatiotemporal scales and prospects of their future designs and applications are discussed.