X-ray studies of energy materials

Abstract

Energy conversion and storage materials are a rapidly growing and powerful application of synchrotron radiation. Understanding these materials from the atomic level through the bulk is central to designing the next generation of more efficient devices. In this chapter, X-ray characterization of energy materials will be discussed using batteries as a sample system. Batteries incorporate several characteristics that take full advantage of the strengths of synchrotron radiation including multiple length scales, multimodal characterization, and operando experiments. Here, a systematic look at the capabilities of synchrotron radiation to study batteries via scattering, spectroscopy, and imaging will be presented with a focus on both conventional cell geometries and customized electrochemical cell designs. After reviewing current methods, a brief outlook on the future of energy material characterization will be offered.