1
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Krauss FT, Pantenburg I, Lehmann V, Stich M, Weiershäuser JO, Bund A, Roling B. Elucidating the Transport of Electrons and Molecules in a Solid Electrolyte Interphase Close to Battery Operation Potentials Using a Four-Electrode-Based Generator-Collector Setup. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:19009-19018. [PMID: 38967537 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.4c03029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
In lithium-ion batteries, the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) passivates the anode against reductive decomposition of the electrolyte but allows for electron transfer reactions between anode and redox shuttle molecules, which are added to the electrolyte as an internal overcharge protection. In order to elucidate the origin of these poorly understood passivation properties of the SEI with regard to different molecules, we used a four-electrode-based generator-collector setup to distinguish between electrolyte reduction current and the redox molecule (ferrocenium ion Fc+) reduction current at an SEI-covered glassy carbon electrode. The experiments were carried out in situ during potentiostatic SEI formation close to battery operation potentials. The measured generator and collector currents were used to calculate passivation factors of the SEI with regard to electrolyte reduction and with regard to Fc+ reduction. These passivation factors show huge differences in their absolute values and in their temporal evolution. By making simple assumptions about molecule transport, electron transport, and charge transfer reaction rates in the SEI, distinct passivation mechanisms are identified, strong indication is found for a transition during SEI growth from redox molecule reduction at the electrode | SEI interface to reduction at the SEI | electrolyte interface, and good estimates for the transport coefficients of both electrons and redox molecules are derived. The approach presented here is applicable to any type of electrochemical interphase and should thus also be of interest for interphase characterization in the fields of electrocatalysis and corrosion.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Isabel Pantenburg
- Philipps-Universität Marburg, Hans-Meerwein-Straße 4, Marburg 35032, Germany
| | - Viktor Lehmann
- Philipps-Universität Marburg, Hans-Meerwein-Straße 4, Marburg 35032, Germany
| | - Michael Stich
- Technische Universität Ilmenau, Gustav-Kirchhoff-Straße 6, Ilmenau 98693, Germany
| | | | - Andreas Bund
- Technische Universität Ilmenau, Gustav-Kirchhoff-Straße 6, Ilmenau 98693, Germany
| | - Bernhard Roling
- Philipps-Universität Marburg, Hans-Meerwein-Straße 4, Marburg 35032, Germany
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2
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Niu B, Xie RC, Ren B, Long YT, Wang W. Radially distributed charging time constants at an electrode-solution interface. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5633. [PMID: 38965237 PMCID: PMC11224254 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50028-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024] Open
Abstract
An electrochemically homogeneous electrode-solution interface should be understood as spatially invariant in both terms of intrinsic reactivity for the electrode side and electrical resistance mainly for the solution side. The latter remains presumably assumed in almost all cases. However, by using optical microscopy to spatially resolve the classic redox electrochemistry occurring at the whole surface of a gold macroelectrode, we discover that the electron transfer occurs always significantly sooner (by milliseconds), rather than faster in essence, at the radial coordinates closer to the electrode periphery than the very center. So is the charging process when there is no electron transfer. Based on optical measurements of the interfacial impedance, this spatially unsynchronized electron transfer is attributed to a radially non-uniform distribution of solution resistance. We accordingly manage to eliminate the heterogeneity by engineering the solution resistance distribution. The revealed spatially-dependent charging time 'constant' (to be questioned) would help paint our overall fundamental picture of electrode kinetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben Niu
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Ruo-Chen Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Bin Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials (i-ChEM), Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
- Innovation Laboratory for Sciences and Technologies of Energy Materials of Fujian Province (IKKEM), Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Yi-Tao Long
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Wei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China.
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3
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Gossage ZT, Tatara R, Hosaka T, Komaba S. Quantifying Interfacial Ion Transfer at Operating Potassium-Insertion Battery Electrodes within Highly Concentrated Aqueous Solutions. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:33379-33387. [PMID: 38885040 PMCID: PMC11231980 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c03645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Electrode/electrolyte interfacial ion transfer is a fundamental process occurring during insertion-type redox reactions at battery electrodes. The rate at which ions move into and out of the electrode, as well as at interphase structures, directly impacts the power performance of the battery. However, measuring and quantifying these ion transfer phenomena can be difficult, especially at high electrolyte concentrations as found in batteries. Herein, we report a scanning electrochemical microscope method using a common ferri/ferrocyanide (FeCN) redox mediator dissolved in an aqueous electrolyte to track changes in alkali ions at high electrolyte concentrations (up to 3 mol dm-3). Using voltammetry at a platinum microelectrode, we observed a reversible E1/2 shift of ∼60 mV per decade change in K+ concentrations. The response showed high stability in sequential measurements and similar behavior in other aqueous electrolytes. From there, we used the same FeCN mediator to position the microelectrode at the surface of a potassium-insertion electrode. We demonstrate tracking of local changes in the K+ concentration during insertion and deinsertion processes. Using a 2D axisymmetric, finite element model, we further estimate the effective insertion rates. These developments enable characterization of a key parameter for improving batteries, the interfacial ion transfer kinetics, and future work may show mediators appropriate for molar concentrations in nonaqueous electrolytes and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary T Gossage
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Tokyo University of Science, Tokyo 162-8601, Japan
| | - Ryoichi Tatara
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Tokyo University of Science, Tokyo 162-8601, Japan
| | - Tomooki Hosaka
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Tokyo University of Science, Tokyo 162-8601, Japan
| | - Shinichi Komaba
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Tokyo University of Science, Tokyo 162-8601, Japan
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4
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Xu Y, Jia H, Gao P, Galvez-Aranda DE, Beltran SP, Cao X, Le PML, Liu J, Engelhard MH, Li S, Ren G, Seminario JM, Balbuena PB, Zhang JG, Xu W, Wang C. Direct in situ measurements of electrical properties of solid-electrolyte interphase on lithium metal anodes. NATURE ENERGY 2023; 8:1345-1354. [PMID: 38249622 PMCID: PMC10798234 DOI: 10.1038/s41560-023-01361-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
The solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) critically governs the performance of rechargeable batteries. An ideal SEI is expected to be electrically insulative to prevent persistently parasitic reactions between the electrode and the electrolyte and ionically conductive to facilitate Faradaic reactions of the electrode. However, the true nature of the electrical properties of the SEI remains hitherto unclear due to the lack of a direct characterization method. Here we use in situ bias transmission electron microscopy to directly measure the electrical properties of SEIs formed on copper and lithium substrates. We reveal that SEIs show a voltage-dependent differential conductance. A higher rate of differential conductance induces a thicker SEI with an intricate topographic feature, leading to an inferior Coulombic efficiency and cycling stability in Li∣∣Cu and Li∣∣LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 cells. Our work provides insight into the targeted design of the SEI with desired characteristics towards better battery performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaobin Xu
- Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA, USA
- These authors contributed equally: Yaobin Xu, Hao Jia
| | - Hao Jia
- Energy and Environment Directorate, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA, USA
- These authors contributed equally: Yaobin Xu, Hao Jia
| | - Peiyuan Gao
- Physical and Computational Sciences Directorate, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA, USA
| | - Diego E. Galvez-Aranda
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Saul Perez Beltran
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Xia Cao
- Energy and Environment Directorate, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA, USA
| | - Phung M. L. Le
- Energy and Environment Directorate, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA, USA
| | - Jianfang Liu
- The Molecular Foundry, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Mark H. Engelhard
- Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA, USA
| | - Shuang Li
- Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA, USA
| | - Gang Ren
- The Molecular Foundry, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Jorge M. Seminario
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Perla B. Balbuena
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Ji-Guang Zhang
- Energy and Environment Directorate, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA, USA
| | - Wu Xu
- Energy and Environment Directorate, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA, USA
| | - Chongmin Wang
- Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA, USA
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5
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Gossage ZT, Ito N, Hosaka T, Tatara R, Komaba S. In situ Observation of Evolving H 2 and Solid Electrolyte Interphase Development at Potassium Insertion Materials within Highly Concentrated Aqueous Electrolytes. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202307446. [PMID: 37593892 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202307446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
The solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) is key to stable, high voltage lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) as a protective barrier that prevents electrolyte decomposition. The SEI is thought to play a similar role in highly concentrated water-in-salt electrolytes (WISEs) for emerging aqueous batteries, but its properties remain unknown. In this work, we utilized advanced scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) and operando electrochemical mass spectrometry (OEMS) techniques to gain deeper insight into the SEI that occurs within highly concentrated WISEs. As a model, we focus on a 55 mol/kg K(FSA)0.6 (OTf)0.4 electrolyte and a 3,4,9,10-perylenetetracarboxylic diimide negative electrode. For the first time, our work showed distinctly passivating structures with slow apparent electron transfer rates alike to the SEI found in LIBs. In situ analyses indicated stable passivating structures when PTCDI was stepped to low potentials (≈-1.3 V vs. Ag/AgCl). However, the observed SEI was discontinuous at the surface and H2 evolution occurred as the electrode reached more extreme potentials. OEMS measurements further confirmed a shift in the evolution of detectable H2 from -0.9 V to <-1.4 V vs. Ag/AgCl when changing from dilute to concentrated electrolytes. In all, our work shows a combined approach of traditional battery measurements with in situ analyses for improving characterization of other unknown SEI structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary T Gossage
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Tokyo University of Science, 1-3 Kagurazaka, Shinjuku, Tokyo, 162-8601, Japan
| | - Nanako Ito
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Tokyo University of Science, 1-3 Kagurazaka, Shinjuku, Tokyo, 162-8601, Japan
| | - Tomooki Hosaka
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Tokyo University of Science, 1-3 Kagurazaka, Shinjuku, Tokyo, 162-8601, Japan
| | - Ryoichi Tatara
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Tokyo University of Science, 1-3 Kagurazaka, Shinjuku, Tokyo, 162-8601, Japan
| | - Shinichi Komaba
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Tokyo University of Science, 1-3 Kagurazaka, Shinjuku, Tokyo, 162-8601, Japan
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6
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Krumov MR, Lang S, Johnson L, Abruña HD. Operando Investigation of Solid Electrolyte Interphase Formation, Dynamic Evolution, and Degradation During Lithium Plating/Stripping. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:47692-47703. [PMID: 37751476 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c08485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
The solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) dictates the stability and cycling performance of highly reactive battery electrodes. Characterization of the thin, dynamic, and environmentally sensitive nature of the SEI presents a formidable challenge, which calls for the use of microscopic, time-resolved operando methods. Herein, we employ scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) to directly probe the heterogeneous surface electronic conductivity during SEI formation and degradation. Complementary operando electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (EQCM) and ex situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) provide comprehensive analysis of the dynamic size and compositional evolution of the complex interfacial microstructure. We have found that stable anode passivation occurs at potentials of 0.5 V vs Li/Li+, even in cases where anion decomposition and interphase formation occur above 1.0 V. We investigated the bidirectional relationship between the SEI and lithium plating-stripping, finding that plating-stripping ruptures the SEI. The current efficiency of this reaction is correlated to the anodic stability of the SEI, highlighting the interdependent relationship between the two. We anticipate this work will provide critical insights on the rational design of stable and effective SEI layers for safe, fast-charging, and long-lifetime lithium metal batteries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihail R Krumov
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
| | - Shuangyan Lang
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
| | - Lucas Johnson
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
| | - Héctor D Abruña
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
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7
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Santana Santos C, Romio M, Surace Y, Eshraghi N, Amores M, Mautner A, Groher C, Jahn M, Ventosa E, Schuhmann W. Unveiling the electronic properties of native solid electrolyte interphase layers on Mg metal electrodes using local electrochemistry. Chem Sci 2023; 14:9923-9932. [PMID: 37736636 PMCID: PMC10510847 DOI: 10.1039/d3sc02840b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Magnesium-ion batteries (MIBs) are of considerable interest as environmentally more sustainable, cheaper, and safer alternatives to Li-ion systems. However, spontaneous electrolyte decomposition occurs due to the low standard reduction potential of Mg, leading to the deposition of layers known as native solid electrolyte interphases (n-SEIs). These layers may inhibit the charge transfer (electrons and ions) and, therefore, reduce the specific power and cycle life of MIBs. We propose scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) as a microelectrochemical tool to locally quantify the electronic properties of n-SEIs for MIBs. These interphases are spontaneously formed upon contact of Mg metal disks with organoaluminate, organoborate, or bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (TFSI)-based electrolyte solutions. Our results unveil increased local electronic and global ionic insulating properties of the n-SEI formed when using TFSI-based electrolytes, whereas a low electronically protecting character is observed with the organoaluminate solution, and the organoborate solution being in between them. Moreover, ex situ morphological and chemical characterization was performed on the Mg samples to support the results obtained by the SECM measurements. Differences in the electronic and ionic conductivities of n-SEIs perfectly correlate with their chemical compositions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Santana Santos
- Analytical Chemistry - Center for Electrochemical Sciences (CES), Faculty of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ruhr University Bochum Universitätsstr. 150 D-44780 Bochum Germany
| | - Martina Romio
- Battery Technologies, Centre for Low-Emission Transport, AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH Giefinggasse 2 1210 Vienna Austria
| | - Yuri Surace
- Battery Technologies, Centre for Low-Emission Transport, AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH Giefinggasse 2 1210 Vienna Austria
| | - Nicolas Eshraghi
- Corporate Research and Development, Umicore Watertorenstraat 33, BE-2250 Olen Belgium
| | - Marco Amores
- Battery Technologies, Centre for Low-Emission Transport, AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH Giefinggasse 2 1210 Vienna Austria
| | - Andreas Mautner
- Department of Materials Chemistry, Universität Wien Währinger Straße 42 1090 Vienna Austria
- Institute for Environmental Biotechnology, Department IFA, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna Konrad-Lorenz-Straße 20, 3430 Tulln an der Donau Austria
| | - Christiane Groher
- Battery Technologies, Centre for Low-Emission Transport, AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH Giefinggasse 2 1210 Vienna Austria
| | - Marcus Jahn
- Battery Technologies, Centre for Low-Emission Transport, AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH Giefinggasse 2 1210 Vienna Austria
| | - Edgar Ventosa
- Department of Chemistry, University of Burgos Pza. Misael Bañuelos s/n 09001 Burgos Spain
| | - Wolfgang Schuhmann
- Analytical Chemistry - Center for Electrochemical Sciences (CES), Faculty of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ruhr University Bochum Universitätsstr. 150 D-44780 Bochum Germany
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8
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Ma J, Zhang S, Zheng Y, Huang T, Sun F, Dong S, Cui G. Interelectrode Talk in Solid-State Lithium-Metal Batteries. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2301892. [PMID: 37442767 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202301892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
Solid-state lithium-metal batteries have been identified as a strategic research direction for the electric vehicle industry because of their promising high energy density and potential characteristic safety. However, the intrinsic mechanical properties of solid materials cause inevitable electro-chemo-mechanical failure of electrodes and electrolytes during charging and discharging; these failure mechanisms include lithium penetration and formation of cracks and voids, which pose a serious challenge for the long cycle life of solid-state lithium-metal batteries. Here, a short overview of the recent advances with a view to understand this challenge is provided. Furthermore, new insights into the cross-talk behavior between the cathode and lithium-metal anode are provided based on the non-uniform Li+ flux inducing interactional electro-chemo-mechanical failure. Furthermore, guidelines for designing stable solid-state lithium-metal batteries and research directions to figure out the interelectrode-talk-related electro-chemo-mechanical failure mechanism are presented, which can be significant for accelerating the development of solid-state lithium batteries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Ma
- Qingdao Industrial Energy Storage Research Institute, Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266101, China
- Shandong Energy Institute, Qingdao, 266101, China
| | - Shu Zhang
- Qingdao Industrial Energy Storage Research Institute, Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266101, China
| | - Yue Zheng
- Qingdao Industrial Energy Storage Research Institute, Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266101, China
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Tianpeng Huang
- Qingdao Industrial Energy Storage Research Institute, Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266101, China
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Fu Sun
- Qingdao Industrial Energy Storage Research Institute, Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266101, China
| | - Shanmu Dong
- Qingdao Industrial Energy Storage Research Institute, Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266101, China
| | - Guanglei Cui
- Qingdao Industrial Energy Storage Research Institute, Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266101, China
- Shandong Energy Institute, Qingdao, 266101, China
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
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9
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Karg A, Gödrich S, Dennstedt P, Helfricht N, Retsch M, Papastavrou G. An Integrated, Exchangeable Three-Electrode Electrochemical Setup for AFM-Based Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 23:s23115228. [PMID: 37299955 DOI: 10.3390/s23115228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) is a versatile scanning probe technique that allows monitoring of a plethora of electrochemical reactions on a highly resolved local scale. SECM in combination with atomic force microscopy (AFM) is particularly well suited to acquire electrochemical data correlated to sample topography, elasticity, and adhesion, respectively. The resolution achievable in SECM depends critically on the properties of the probe acting as an electrochemical sensor, i.e., the working electrode, which is scanned over the sample. Hence, the development of SECM probes received much attention in recent years. However, for the operation and performance of SECM, the fluid cell and the three-electrode setup are also of paramount importance. These two aspects received much less attention so far. Here, we present a novel approach to the universal implementation of a three-electrode setup for SECM in practically any fluid cell. The integration of all three electrodes (working, counter, and reference) near the cantilever provides many advantages, such as the usage of conventional AFM fluid cells also for SECM or enables the measurement in liquid drops. Moreover, the other electrodes become easily exchangeable as they are combined with the cantilever substrate. Thereby, the handling is improved significantly. We demonstrated that high-resolution SECM, i.e., resolving features smaller than 250 nm in the electrochemical signal, could be achieved with the new setup and that the electrochemical performance was equivalent to the one obtained with macroscopic electrodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Karg
- Physical Chemistry II, University of Bayreuth, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany
- Bavarian Institute for Battery Technology, University of Bayreuth, 95448 Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Sebastian Gödrich
- Physical Chemistry II, University of Bayreuth, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Philipp Dennstedt
- Physical Chemistry II, University of Bayreuth, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany
- Bavarian Institute for Battery Technology, University of Bayreuth, 95448 Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Nicolas Helfricht
- Physical Chemistry II, University of Bayreuth, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Markus Retsch
- Bavarian Institute for Battery Technology, University of Bayreuth, 95448 Bayreuth, Germany
- Physical Chemistry I, University of Bayreuth, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Georg Papastavrou
- Physical Chemistry II, University of Bayreuth, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany
- Bavarian Institute for Battery Technology, University of Bayreuth, 95448 Bayreuth, Germany
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10
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Muñoz-Torrero D, Santana Santos C, García-Quismondo E, Dieckhöfer S, Erichsen T, Palma J, Schuhmann W, Ventosa E. The redox mediated - scanning droplet cell system for evaluation of the solid electrolyte interphase in Li-ion batteries. RSC Adv 2023; 13:15521-15530. [PMID: 37223417 PMCID: PMC10201650 DOI: 10.1039/d3ra00631j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The so-called solid electrolyte interphase (SEI), a nanolayer formed on the negative electrode of lithium-ion batteries during the first cycles, largely influences some key performance indicators such as cycle life and specific power. The reason is due to the fact that the SEI prevents continuous electrolyte decomposition, making this protecting character extremely important. Herein, a specifically designed scanning droplet cell system (SDCS) is developed to study the protecting character of the SEI on lithium-ion battery (LIB) electrode materials. SDCS allows for automatized electrochemical measurements with improved reproducibility and time-saving experimentation. Besides the necessary adaptations for its implementation for non-aqueous batteries, a new operating mode, the so-called redox mediated-scanning droplet cell system (RM-SDCS), is established to investigate the SEI properties. By adding a redox mediator (e.g. a viologen derivative) to the electrolyte, evaluation of the protecting character of the SEI becomes accessible. Validation of the proposed methodology was performed using a model sample (Cu surface). Afterwards, RM-SDCS was employed on Si-graphite electrodes as a case study. On the one hand, the RM-SDCS shed light on the degradation mechanisms providing direct electrochemical evidence of the rupture of the SEI upon lithiation. On the other hand, the RM-SDCS was presented as an accelerated method capable of searching for electrolyte additives. The results indicate an enhancement in the protecting character of the SEI when 4 wt% of both vinyl carbonate and fluoroethylene carbonate were used simultaneously.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Muñoz-Torrero
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Burgos Plaza de Misael Bañuelos s/n 09001 Burgos Spain
- ICCRAM, University of Burgos Plaza de Misael Bañuelos s/n 09001 Burgos Spain
| | - Carla Santana Santos
- Analytical Chemistry, Center for Electrochemical Sciences (CES), Faculty of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ruhr University Bochum Universitätsstr 150 D-44780 Bochum Germany
| | - Enrique García-Quismondo
- Electrochemical Processes Unit, IMDEA Energy Institute Avda. Ramón de la Sagra 3, 28935 Móstoles Spain
| | - Stefan Dieckhöfer
- Analytical Chemistry, Center for Electrochemical Sciences (CES), Faculty of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ruhr University Bochum Universitätsstr 150 D-44780 Bochum Germany
| | | | - Jesús Palma
- Electrochemical Processes Unit, IMDEA Energy Institute Avda. Ramón de la Sagra 3, 28935 Móstoles Spain
| | - Wolfgang Schuhmann
- Analytical Chemistry, Center for Electrochemical Sciences (CES), Faculty of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ruhr University Bochum Universitätsstr 150 D-44780 Bochum Germany
| | - Edgar Ventosa
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Burgos Plaza de Misael Bañuelos s/n 09001 Burgos Spain
- ICCRAM, University of Burgos Plaza de Misael Bañuelos s/n 09001 Burgos Spain
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11
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Santana Santos C, Jaato BN, Sanjuán I, Schuhmann W, Andronescu C. Operando Scanning Electrochemical Probe Microscopy during Electrocatalysis. Chem Rev 2023; 123:4972-5019. [PMID: 36972701 PMCID: PMC10168669 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.2c00766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
Scanning electrochemical probe microscopy (SEPM) techniques can disclose the local electrochemical reactivity of interfaces in single-entity and sub-entity studies. Operando SEPM measurements consist of using a SEPM tip to investigate the performance of electrocatalysts, while the reactivity of the interface is simultaneously modulated. This powerful combination can correlate electrochemical activity with changes in surface properties, e.g., topography and structure, as well as provide insight into reaction mechanisms. The focus of this review is to reveal the recent progress in local SEPM measurements of the catalytic activity of a surface toward the reduction and evolution of O2 and H2 and electrochemical conversion of CO2. The capabilities of SEPMs are showcased, and the possibility of coupling other techniques to SEPMs is presented. Emphasis is given to scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM), scanning ion conductance microscopy (SICM), electrochemical scanning tunneling microscopy (EC-STM), and scanning electrochemical cell microscopy (SECCM).
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Santana Santos
- Analytical Chemistry - Center for Electrochemical Sciences (CES), Faculty of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ruhr University Bochum, Universitätsstr. 150, D-44780 Bochum, Germany
| | - Bright Nsolebna Jaato
- Technical Chemistry III, Center for Nanointegration Duisburg-Essen (CENIDE), University of Duisburg-Essen Carl-Benz-Straße 199, 47057 Duisburg, Germany
| | - Ignacio Sanjuán
- Technical Chemistry III, Center for Nanointegration Duisburg-Essen (CENIDE), University of Duisburg-Essen Carl-Benz-Straße 199, 47057 Duisburg, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Schuhmann
- Analytical Chemistry - Center for Electrochemical Sciences (CES), Faculty of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ruhr University Bochum, Universitätsstr. 150, D-44780 Bochum, Germany
| | - Corina Andronescu
- Technical Chemistry III, Center for Nanointegration Duisburg-Essen (CENIDE), University of Duisburg-Essen Carl-Benz-Straße 199, 47057 Duisburg, Germany
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12
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Tetteh EB, Valavanis D, Daviddi E, Xu X, Santana Santos C, Ventosa E, Martín-Yerga D, Schuhmann W, Unwin PR. Fast Li-ion Storage and Dynamics in TiO 2 Nanoparticle Clusters Probed by Smart Scanning Electrochemical Cell Microscopy. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202214493. [PMID: 36469735 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202214493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Anatase TiO2 is a promising material for Li-ion (Li+ ) batteries with fast charging capability. However, Li+ (de)intercalation dynamics in TiO2 remain elusive and reported diffusivities span many orders of magnitude. Here, we develop a smart protocol for scanning electrochemical cell microscopy (SECCM) with in situ optical microscopy (OM) to enable the high-throughput charge/discharge analysis of single TiO2 nanoparticle clusters. Directly probing active nanoparticles revealed that TiO2 with a size of ≈50 nm can store over 30 % of the theoretical capacity at an extremely fast charge/discharge rate of ≈100 C. This finding of fast Li+ storage in TiO2 particles strengthens its potential for fast-charging batteries. More generally, smart SECCM-OM should find wide applications for high-throughput electrochemical screening of nanostructured materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Batsa Tetteh
- Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV47AL, UK.,Analytical Chemistry-, Center for Electrochemical Sciences (CES), Faculty of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ruhr University Bochum, Universitätsstr. 150, 44780, Bochum, Germany
| | | | - Enrico Daviddi
- Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV47AL, UK
| | - Xiangdong Xu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV47AL, UK
| | - Carla Santana Santos
- Analytical Chemistry-, Center for Electrochemical Sciences (CES), Faculty of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ruhr University Bochum, Universitätsstr. 150, 44780, Bochum, Germany
| | - Edgar Ventosa
- Department of Chemistry, University of Burgos, Pza. Misael Bañuelos s/n, 09001, Burgos, Spain
| | | | - Wolfgang Schuhmann
- Analytical Chemistry-, Center for Electrochemical Sciences (CES), Faculty of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ruhr University Bochum, Universitätsstr. 150, 44780, Bochum, Germany
| | - Patrick R Unwin
- Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV47AL, UK
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13
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Ma Y, Zhao Y, Liu R, Wang D. Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy Featuring Transient Current Signals in Carbon Nanopipets with Dilute or No Redox Mediator. Anal Chem 2022; 94:11124-11128. [PMID: 35920511 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.2c02596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Herein, we report a sensitive scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) method based on the high transient current signals in carbon nanopipets (CNPs) under step potential waveforms. Taking advantage of the transient peak current, the approach curve can be conducted with very dilute (1 μM) or even no redox mediator and fitted by the scanning ion conductance microscopy (SICM) theory. In addition, a trace amount of electroactive species generated at the substrate can also be directly revealed from the transient current at the CNP tips. With the established feedback and generation/collection methods, we present the constant-height topography and electroactivity imaging of the substrates with only 1 μM K4Fe(CN)6. The developed new SECM method would allow the usage of CNPs to achieve both high sensitivity and spatial resolution with dilute or no redox mediator and thus find great potential applications in biological and electrocatalytic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingfei Ma
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Yingjie Zhao
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Rujia Liu
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Dengchao Wang
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
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14
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Santos CS, Botz A, Bandarenka AS, Ventosa E, Schuhmann W. Correlative Electrochemical Microscopy for the Elucidation of the Local Ionic and Electronic Properties of the Solid Electrolyte Interphase in Li-Ion Batteries. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022; 61:e202202744. [PMID: 35312219 PMCID: PMC9322322 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202202744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The solid‐electrolyte interphase (SEI) plays a key role in the stability of lithium‐ion batteries as the SEI prevents the continuous degradation of the electrolyte at the anode. The SEI acts as an insulating layer for electron transfer, still allowing the ionic flux through the layer. We combine the feedback and multi‐frequency alternating‐current modes of scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) for the first time to assess quantitatively the local electronic and ionic properties of the SEI varying the SEI formation conditions and the used electrolytes in the field of Li‐ion batteries (LIB). Correlations between the electronic and ionic properties of the resulting SEI on a model Cu electrode demonstrates the unique feasibility of the proposed strategy to provide the two essential properties of an SEI: ionic and electronic conductivity in dependence on the formation conditions, which is anticipated to exhibit a significant impact on the field of LIBs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla S Santos
- Analytical Chemistry-Center for Electrochemical Sciences (CES), Faculty of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Universitätsstr.150, 44780, Bochum, Germany
| | - Alexander Botz
- Analytical Chemistry-Center for Electrochemical Sciences (CES), Faculty of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Universitätsstr.150, 44780, Bochum, Germany
| | - Aliaksandr S Bandarenka
- Physics of Energy Conversion and Storage, Physik-Department, Technische Universität München, James-Franck-Strasse 1, 85748, Garching, Germany
| | - Edgar Ventosa
- Department of Chemistry, University of Burgos, Pza. Misael Bañuelos s/n, 09001, Burgos, Spain
| | - Wolfgang Schuhmann
- Analytical Chemistry-Center for Electrochemical Sciences (CES), Faculty of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Universitätsstr.150, 44780, Bochum, Germany
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