Synchrotron X-rays and neutrons as essential tools in Li battery research: Examples of oxide, phosphate and silicate-based positive electrodes
Résumé
The precise characterization and structural analysis of positive electrodes for Li-ion batteries is essential for the development of long-life, safe and high-energy electrochemical systems. For this purpose X-Ray and neutron diffraction have proved to be essential tools in evaluating pristine powder materials (purity, cation ordering and distribution, defects) as well as the mechanisms (single-phase vs. two-phase reactions) of Li+ insertion/extraction in and out of these electrodes. This contribution focuses on the illustration of case-studies of structural considerations in oxides, phosphates and silicates of transition metal elements and lithium recently developed, in particular LiMn2O4, LiMPO4 and Li2MSiO4 (M = Fe, Mn)