Article
How XPS and TOF-SIMS Advanced Chemical Imaging Uncovers Stabilizing Effects of Engineered Particle (Ep) Battery Cathodes
Surface Analysis Spotlight: XPS & TOF-SIMS
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by Sarah Zaccarine Staff Scientist |
Key Takeaways
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Engineered particles (Ep) improve battery safety and performance by limiting harmful side reactions and stabilizing electrode-electrolyte interfaces.
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Advanced surface analysis tools like XPS and TOF-SIMS provide deep insights into interfacial chemistry and degradation pathways.
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Ep-coated cathodes show more uniform interfaces and better performance after cycling compared to uncoated cathodes.
Results
Next-generation battery technologies, particularly lithium metal batteries, are being explored to meet future performance and cost goals. These systems offer higher energy density than conventional lithium-ion batteries but face significant challenges such as unstable electrode-electrolyte interfaces and lithium dendrite formation. High-voltage cathode materials like lithium cobalt oxide (LCO) are promising but degrade due to electrolyte interactions and transition metal dissolution.
To address these issues, engineered particles (Ep) are being developed to stabilize interfaces, reduce side reactions, and enhance battery safety and longevity. In order to optimize device performance, it is important to understand how Ep electrode chemistry and morphology compare to uncoated electrodes and how properties change with cycling. However, characterizing these complex, layered systems requires advanced techniques.
A combination of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS) enables detailed analysis of surface and interfacial chemistry. PHI XPS instruments offer scanning X-ray induced secondary electron imaging (SXI), which provides SEM-like contrast and helps identify regions of interest. SXI and Spectral Mosaics allow efficient mapping of large sample areas, while TOF-SIMS adds high-resolution detection of organic and inorganic species.
Together, these tools provide a comprehensive view of how Ep coatings influence interfacial stability and degradation. The study shows that Ep-coated cathodes exhibit more uniform and controlled interfaces, leading to improved battery performance and long-term stability.
For more information, please visit Dr. Sarah Zaccarine’s poster, “Advanced Chemical Imaging Analysis of Engineered Particle Battery Electrodes with XPS and TOF-SIMS” at the upcoming 248th ECS Meeting in Chicago from October 12-16.