1
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Edgecomb J, Nguyen DT, Tan S, Murugesan V, Johnson GE, Prabhakaran V. Electrochemical Imaging of Precisely-Defined Redox and Reactive Interfaces. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202405846. [PMID: 38871656 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202405846] [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: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
Understanding the diverse electrochemical reactions occurring at electrode-electrolyte interfaces (EEIs) is a critical challenge to developing more efficient energy conversion and storage technologies. Establishing a predictive molecular-level understanding of solid electrolyte interphases (SEIs) is challenging due to the presence of multiple intertwined chemical and electrochemical processes occurring at battery electrodes. Similarly, chemical conversions in reactive electrochemical systems are often influenced by the heterogeneous distribution of active sites, surface defects, and catalyst particle sizes. In this mini review, we highlight an emerging field of interfacial science that isolates the impact of specific chemical species by preparing precisely-defined EEIs and visualizing the reactivity of their individual components using single-entity characterization techniques. We highlight the broad applicability and versatility of these methods, along with current state-of-the-art instrumentation and future opportunities for these approaches to address key scientific challenges related to batteries, chemical separations, and fuel cells. We establish that controlled preparation of well-defined electrodes combined with single entity characterization will be crucial to filling key knowledge gaps and advancing the theories used to describe and predict chemical and physical processes occurring at EEIs and accelerating new materials discovery for energy applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Edgecomb
- Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA 99352, USA
| | | | - Shuai Tan
- Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA 99352, USA
| | | | - Grant E Johnson
- Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA 99352, USA
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2
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Martín-Yerga D, Xu X, Valavanis D, West G, Walker M, Unwin PR. High-Throughput Combinatorial Analysis of the Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Nanoscale Lithium Metal Plating. ACS NANO 2024; 18:23032-23046. [PMID: 39136274 PMCID: PMC11363218 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.4c05001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2024] [Revised: 07/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/28/2024]
Abstract
The development of Li metal batteries requires a detailed understanding of complex nucleation and growth processes during electrodeposition. In situ techniques offer a framework to study these phenomena by visualizing structural dynamics that can inform the design of uniform plating morphologies. Herein, we combine scanning electrochemical cell microscopy (SECCM) with in situ interference reflection microscopy (IRM) for a comprehensive investigation of Li nucleation and growth on lithiophilic thin-film gold electrodes. This multimicroscopy approach enables nanoscale spatiotemporal monitoring of Li plating and stripping, along with high-throughput capabilities for screening experimental conditions. We reveal the accumulation of inactive Li nanoparticles in specific electrode regions, yet these regions remain functional in subsequent plating cycles, suggesting that growth does not preferentially occur from particle tips. Optical-electrochemical correlations enabled nanoscale mapping of Coulombic Efficiency (CE), showing that regions prone to inactive Li accumulation require more cycles to achieve higher CE. We demonstrate that electrochemical nucleation time (tnuc) is a lagging indicator of nucleation and introduce an optical method to determine tnuc at earlier stages with nanoscale resolution. Plating at higher current densities yielded smaller Li nanoparticles and increased areal density, and was not affected by heterogeneous topographical features, being potentially beneficial to achieve a more uniform plating at longer time scales. These results enhance the understanding of Li plating on lithiophilic surfaces and offer promising strategies for uniform nucleation and growth. Our multimicroscopy approach has broad applicability to study nanoscale metal plating and stripping phenomena, with relevance in the battery and electroplating fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Martín-Yerga
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, U.K.
- Department
of Chemistry, Nanoscience Center, University
of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä 40100, Finland
| | - Xiangdong Xu
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, U.K.
| | | | - Geoff West
- Warwick
Manufacturing Group, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, U.K.
| | - Marc Walker
- Department
of Physics, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, U.K.
| | - Patrick R. Unwin
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, U.K.
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3
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Gaudin LF, Wright IR, Harris-Lee TR, Jayamaha G, Kang M, Bentley CL. Five years of scanning electrochemical cell microscopy (SECCM): new insights and innovations. NANOSCALE 2024; 16:12345-12367. [PMID: 38874335 DOI: 10.1039/d4nr00859f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
Scanning electrochemical cell microscopy (SECCM) is a nanopipette-based technique which enables measurement of localised electrochemistry. SECCM has found use in a wide range of electrochemical applications, and due to the wider uptake of this technique in recent years, new applications and techniques have been developed. This minireview has collected all SECCM research articles published in the last 5 years, to demonstrate and celebrate the recent advances, and to make it easier for SECCM researchers to remain well-informed. The wide range of SECCM applications is demonstrated, which are categorised here into electrocatalysis, electroanalysis, photoelectrochemistry, biological materials, energy storage materials, corrosion, electrosynthesis, and instrumental development. In the collection of this library of SECCM studies, a few key trends emerge. (1) The range of materials and processes explored with SECCM has grown, with new applications emerging constantly. (2) The instrumental capabilities of SECCM have grown, with creative techniques being developed from research groups worldwide. (3) The SECCM research community has grown significantly, with adoption of the SECCM technique becoming more prominent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lachlan F Gaudin
- School of Chemistry, Monash University, Clayton, 3800 VIC, Australia.
| | - India R Wright
- School of Chemistry, Monash University, Clayton, 3800 VIC, Australia.
| | - Thom R Harris-Lee
- School of Chemistry, Monash University, Clayton, 3800 VIC, Australia.
- Department of Chemistry, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath, UK
| | - Gunani Jayamaha
- School of Chemistry, University of Sydney, Camperdown, 2050 NSW, Australia
| | - Minkyung Kang
- School of Chemistry, University of Sydney, Camperdown, 2050 NSW, Australia
| | - Cameron L Bentley
- School of Chemistry, Monash University, Clayton, 3800 VIC, Australia.
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4
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Tetteh EB, Krysiak OA, Savan A, Kim M, Zerdoumi R, Chung TD, Ludwig A, Schuhmann W. Long-Range SECCM Enables High-Throughput Electrochemical Screening of High Entropy Alloy Electrocatalysts at Up-To-Industrial Current Densities. SMALL METHODS 2024; 8:e2301284. [PMID: 38155148 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202301284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
High-entropy alloys (HEAs), especially in the form of compositional complex solid solutions (CCSS), have gained attention in the field of electrocatalysis. However, exploring their vast composition space concerning their electrocatalytic properties imposes significant challenges. Scanning electrochemical cell microscopy (SECCM) offers high-speed electrochemical analysis on surface areas with a lateral resolution down to tens of nm. However, high-precision piezo positioners often used for the motion of the tip limit the area of SECCM scans to the motion range of the piezo positioners which is typically a few tens of microns. To bridge this experimental gap, the study proposes a long-range SECCM system with a rapid gas-exchange environmental cell for high-throughput electrochemical characterization of 100 mm diameter HEA thin-film material libraries (ML) obtained by combinatorial co-sputtering. Due to the gas-liquid interface at the positioned SECCM droplet on the sample, high-throughput evaluation under industrial current density conditions becomes feasible. This allows the direct correlation between electrocatalytic activity and material composition with high statistical reliability. The multidimensional data obtained accelerates materials discovery, development, and optimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Batsa Tetteh
- Analytical Chemistry - Center for Electrochemical Sciences (CES), Faculty of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ruhr University Bochum, Universitätsstr. 150, D-44780, Bochum, Germany
| | - Olga A Krysiak
- Analytical Chemistry - Center for Electrochemical Sciences (CES), Faculty of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ruhr University Bochum, Universitätsstr. 150, D-44780, Bochum, Germany
| | - Alan Savan
- Chair for Materials Discovery and Interfaces, Institute for Materials, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Ruhr University Bochum, Universitätsstr. 150, D-44780, Bochum, Germany
| | - Moonjoo Kim
- Analytical Chemistry - Center for Electrochemical Sciences (CES), Faculty of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ruhr University Bochum, Universitätsstr. 150, D-44780, Bochum, Germany
- Department of Chemistry, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Ridha Zerdoumi
- Analytical Chemistry - Center for Electrochemical Sciences (CES), Faculty of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ruhr University Bochum, Universitätsstr. 150, D-44780, Bochum, Germany
| | - Taek Dong Chung
- Department of Chemistry, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
- Advanced Institute of Convergence Technology, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do, 16229, Republic of Korea
| | - Alfred Ludwig
- Chair for Materials Discovery and Interfaces, Institute for Materials, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Ruhr University Bochum, Universitätsstr. 150, D-44780, Bochum, Germany
- Center for Interface-Dominated High-Performance Materials, ZGH; Ruhr University Bochum, Universitätsstr. 150, D-44780, Bochum, Germany
| | - 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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5
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Wang F, Zhang C, Wu F, He Z, Huang Y. Investigation of the Single-Particle Scale Structure-Activity Relationship Providing New Insights for the Development of High-Performance Batteries. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2400683. [PMID: 38747891 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202400683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2024] [Revised: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
As electric vehicles, portable electronic devices, and tools have increasingly high requirements for battery energy density and power density, constantly improving battery performance is a research focus. Accurate measurement of the structure-activity relationship of active materials is key to advancing the research of high-performance batteries. However, conventional performance tests of active materials are based on the electrochemical measurement of porous composite electrodes containing active materials, polymer binders, and conductive carbon additives, which cannot establish an accurate structure-activity relationship with the physical characterization of microregions. In this review, in order to promote the accurate measurement and understanding of the structure-activity relationship of materials, the electrochemical measurement and physical characterization of energy storage materials at single-particle scale are reviewed. The potential problems and possible improvement schemes of the single particle electrochemical measurement and physical characterization are proposed. Their potential applications in single particle electrochemical simulation and machine learning are prospected. This review aims to promote the further application of single particle electrochemical measurement and physical characterization in energy storage materials, hoping to achieve 3D unified evaluation of physical characterization, electrochemical measurement, and theoretical simulation at the single particle scale to provide new inspiration for the development of high-performance batteries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Wang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Applied Chemistry, College of Environment and Chemical Engineering, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao, 066004, China
| | - Chong Zhang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Applied Chemistry, College of Environment and Chemical Engineering, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao, 066004, China
| | - Fan Wu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, North University of China, Taiyuan, 030051, China
| | - Zhichao He
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, North University of China, Taiyuan, 030051, China
| | - Yudong Huang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150001, China
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6
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Gaudin LF, Funston AM, Bentley CL. Drop-cast gold nanoparticles are not always electrocatalytically active for the borohydride oxidation reaction. Chem Sci 2024; 15:7243-7258. [PMID: 38756820 PMCID: PMC11095372 DOI: 10.1039/d4sc00676c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
The next-generation of energy devices rely on advanced catalytic materials, especially electrocatalytic nanoparticles (NPs), to achieve the performance and cost required to reshape the energy landscape towards a more sustainable and cleaner future. It has become imperative to maximize the performance of the catalyst, both through improvement of the intrinsic activity of the NP, and by ensuring all particles are performing at the level of their capability. This requires not just a structure-function understanding of the catalytic material, but also an understanding of how the catalyst performance is impacted by its environment (substrate, ligand, etc.). The intrinsic activity and environment of catalytic particles on a support may differ wildly by particle, thus it is essential to build this understanding from a single-entity perspective. To achieve this herein, scanning electrochemical cell microscopy (SECCM) has been used, which is a droplet-based scanning probe technique which can encapsulate single NPs, and apply a voltage to the nanoparticle whilst measuring its resulting current. Using SECCM, single AuNPs have been encapsulated, and their activity for the borohydride oxidation reaction (BOR) is measured. A total of 268 BOR-active locations were probed (178 single particles) and a series of statistical analyses were performed in order to make the following discoveries: (1) a certain percentage of AuNPs display no BOR activity in the SECCM experiment (67.4% of single NPs), (2) visibly-similar particles display wildly varied BOR activities which cannot be explained by particle size, (3) the impact of cluster size (#NP at a single location) on a selection of diagnostic electrochemical parameters can be easily probed with SECCM, (4) exploratory statistical correlation between these parameters can be meaningfully performed with SECCM, and (5) outlying "abnormal" NP responses can be probed on a particle-by-particle basis. Each one of these findings is its own worthwhile study, yet this has been achieved with a single SECCM scan. It is hoped that this research will spur electrochemists and materials scientists to delve deeper into their substantial datasets in order to enhance the structure-function understanding, to bring about the next generation of high-performance electrocatalysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lachlan F Gaudin
- School of Chemistry, Monash University Clayton 3800 VIC Australia
| | - Alison M Funston
- School of Chemistry, Monash University Clayton 3800 VIC Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science, Monash University Clayton 3800 VIC Australia
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7
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Jayamaha G, Maleki M, Bentley CL, Kang M. Practical guidelines for the use of scanning electrochemical cell microscopy (SECCM). Analyst 2024; 149:2542-2555. [PMID: 38632960 DOI: 10.1039/d4an00117f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Scanning electrochemical cell microscopy (SECCM) has emerged as a transformative technology for electrochemical materials characterisation and the study of single entities, garnering global adoption by numerous research groups. While details on the instrumentation and operational principles of SECCM are readily available, the growing need for practical guidelines, troubleshooting strategies, and a systematic overview of applications and trends has become increasingly evident. This tutorial review addresses this gap by offering a comprehensive guide to the practical application of SECCM. The review begins with a discussion of recent developments and trends in the application of SECCM, before providing systematic approaches to (and the associated troubleshooting associated with) instrumental set up, probe fabrication, substrate preparation and the deployment of environmental (e.g., atmosphere and humidity) control. Serving as an invaluable resource, this tutorial review aims to equip researchers and practitioners entering the field with a comprehensive guide to essential considerations for conducting successful SECCM experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gunani Jayamaha
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, 2006 NSW, Australia.
| | - Mahin Maleki
- Institute for Frontier Materials, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC 3125, Australia
| | - Cameron L Bentley
- School of Chemistry, Monash University, Clayton, 3800 VIC, Australia
| | - Minkyung Kang
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, 2006 NSW, Australia.
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8
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Sanin A, Stein HS. Exploring Reproducible Nonaqueous Scanning Droplet Cell Electrochemistry in Model Battery Chemistries. CHEMISTRY OF MATERIALS : A PUBLICATION OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY 2024; 36:3536-3545. [PMID: 38681088 PMCID: PMC11044270 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemmater.3c01768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
The discovery and optimization of new materials for energy storage are essential for a sustainable future. High-throughput experimentation (HTE) using a scanning droplet cell (SDC) is suitable for the rapid screening of prospective material candidates and effective variation of investigated parameters over a millimeter-scale area. Herein, we explore the transition and challenges for SDC electrochemistry from aqueous toward aprotic electrolytes and address pitfalls related to reproducibility in such high-throughput systems. Specifically, we explore whether reproducibilities comparable to those for millimeter half-cells are achievable on the millimeter half-cell level than for full cells. To study reproducibility in half-cells as a first screening step, this study explores the selection of appropriate cell components, such as reference electrodes (REs) and the use of masking techniques for working electrodes (WEs) to achieve consistent electrochemically active areas. Experimental results on a Li-Au model anode system show that SDC, coupled with a masking approach and subsequent optical microscopy, can mitigate issues related to electrolyte leakage and yield good reproducibility. The proposed methodologies and insights contribute to the advancement of high-throughput battery research, enabling the discovery and optimization of future battery materials with improved efficiency and efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexey Sanin
- Helmholtz
Institute Ulm, Helmholtzstr.
11, 89081 Ulm, Germany
- Karlsruhe
Institute of Technology, 76021 Karlsruhe, Germany
- Technical
University of Munich, TUM School of Natural
Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Chair of Digital Catalysis; Munich
Institute of Robotics and Machine Intelligence (MIRMI); Munich Data
Science Institute (MDSI), Lichtenbergstr. 4, 85748 Garching b. München, Germany
| | - Helge S. Stein
- Helmholtz
Institute Ulm, Helmholtzstr.
11, 89081 Ulm, Germany
- Karlsruhe
Institute of Technology, 76021 Karlsruhe, Germany
- Technical
University of Munich, TUM School of Natural
Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Chair of Digital Catalysis; Munich
Institute of Robotics and Machine Intelligence (MIRMI); Munich Data
Science Institute (MDSI), Lichtenbergstr. 4, 85748 Garching b. München, Germany
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9
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Vicente RA, Raju SP, Gomes HVN, Neckel IT, Tolentino HCN, Fernández PS. Development of Electrochemical Cells and Their Application for Spatially Resolved Analysis Using a Multitechnique Approach: From Conventional Experiments to X-Ray Nanoprobe Beamlines. Anal Chem 2023; 95:16144-16152. [PMID: 37883715 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c02695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Real (electro)catalysts are often heterogeneous, and their activity and selectivity depend on the properties of specific active sites. Therefore, unveiling the so-called structure-activity relationship is essential for a rational search for better materials and, consequently, for the development of the field of (electro-)catalysis. Thus, spatially resolved techniques are powerful tools as they allow us to characterize and/or measure the activity and selectivity of different regions of heterogeneous catalysts. To take full advantage of that, we have developed spectroelectrochemical cells to perform spatially resolved analysis using X-ray nanoprobe synchrotron beamlines and conventional pieces of equipment. Here, we describe the techniques available at the Carnaúba beamline at the Sirius-LNLS storage ring, and then we show how our cells enable obtaining X-ray (XRF, XRD, XAS, etc.) and vibrational spectroscopy (FTIR and Raman) contrast images. Through some proof-of-concept experiments, we demonstrate how using a multi-technique approach could render a complete and detailed analysis of an (electro)catalyst overall performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Alcides Vicente
- Department of Physical-Chemistry, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), R. Josué de Castro, s/n, Cidade Universitária, Campinas 13083-872, Brazil
- Center for Innovation on New Energies (CINE), R. Michel Debrun, s/n, Prédio Amarelo, Campinas 13083-084, Brazil
| | - Swathi Patchaiammal Raju
- Department of Physical-Chemistry, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), R. Josué de Castro, s/n, Cidade Universitária, Campinas 13083-872, Brazil
- Center for Innovation on New Energies (CINE), R. Michel Debrun, s/n, Prédio Amarelo, Campinas 13083-084, Brazil
| | - Heloisa Vampré Nascimento Gomes
- Department of Physical-Chemistry, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), R. Josué de Castro, s/n, Cidade Universitária, Campinas 13083-872, Brazil
- Center for Innovation on New Energies (CINE), R. Michel Debrun, s/n, Prédio Amarelo, Campinas 13083-084, Brazil
| | - Itamar Tomio Neckel
- Brazilian Synchrotron Light Laboratory (LNLS), Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), R. Giuseppe Máximo Scolfaro, 10000 - Bosque das Palmeiras, Campinas 13083-970, Brazil
| | - Hélio Cesar Nogueira Tolentino
- Brazilian Synchrotron Light Laboratory (LNLS), Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), R. Giuseppe Máximo Scolfaro, 10000 - Bosque das Palmeiras, Campinas 13083-970, Brazil
| | - Pablo Sebastián Fernández
- Department of Physical-Chemistry, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), R. Josué de Castro, s/n, Cidade Universitária, Campinas 13083-872, Brazil
- Center for Innovation on New Energies (CINE), R. Michel Debrun, s/n, Prédio Amarelo, Campinas 13083-084, Brazil
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10
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Xu X, Martín-Yerga D, Grant NE, West G, Pain SL, Kang M, Walker M, Murphy JD, Unwin PR. Interfacial Chemistry Effects in the Electrochemical Performance of Silicon Electrodes under Lithium-Ion Battery Conditions. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023; 19:e2303442. [PMID: 37269212 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202303442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) formation and (de)lithiation phenomena at silicon (Si) electrodes is key to improving the performance and lifetime of Si-based lithium-ion batteries. However, these processes remain somewhat elusive, and, in particular, the role of Si surface termination merits further consideration. Here, scanning electrochemical cell microscopy (SECCM) is used in a glovebox, followed by secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) at identical locations to study the local electrochemical behavior and associated SEI formation, comparing Si (100) with a native oxide layer (SiOx /Si) and etched with hydrofluoric acid (HF-Si). HF-Si shows greater spatial electrochemical heterogeneity and inferior lithiation reversibility than SiOx /Si. This is attributed to a weakly passivating SEI and irreversible lithium trapping at the Si surface. Combinatorial screening of charge/discharge cycling by SECCM with co-located SIMS reveals SEI chemistry as a function of depth. While the SEI thickness is relatively independent of the cycle number, the chemistry - particularly in the intermediate layers - depends on the number of cycles, revealing the SEI to be dynamic during cycling. This work serves as a foundation for the use of correlative SECCM/SIMS as a powerful approach to gain fundamental insights on complex battery processes at the nano- and microscales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangdong Xu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Daniel Martín-Yerga
- Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
- The Faraday Institution, Quad One, Harwell Campus, Didcot, OX11 0RA, UK
| | - Nicholas E Grant
- School of Engineering, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Geoff West
- Warwick Manufacturing Group, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Sophie L Pain
- School of Engineering, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Minkyung Kang
- School of Chemistry, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Marc Walker
- Department of Physics, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
| | - John D Murphy
- School of Engineering, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Patrick R Unwin
- Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
- The Faraday Institution, Quad One, Harwell Campus, Didcot, OX11 0RA, UK
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11
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Mishra A, Sarbapalli D, Rodríguez O, Rodríguez-López J. Electrochemical Imaging of Interfaces in Energy Storage via Scanning Probe Methods: Techniques, Applications, and Prospects. ANNUAL REVIEW OF ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY (PALO ALTO, CALIF.) 2023; 16:93-115. [PMID: 37068746 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-anchem-091422-110703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Developing a deeper understanding of dynamic chemical, electronic, and morphological changes at interfaces is key to solving practical issues in electrochemical energy storage systems (EESSs). To unravel this complexity, an assortment of tools with distinct capabilities and spatiotemporal resolutions have been used to creatively visualize interfacial processes as they occur. This review highlights how electrochemical scanning probe techniques (ESPTs) such as electrochemical atomic force microscopy, scanning electrochemical microscopy, scanning ion conductance microscopy, and scanning electrochemical cell microscopy are uniquely positioned to address these challenges in EESSs. We describe the operating principles of ESPTs, focusing on the inspection of interfacial structure and chemical processes involved in Li-ion batteries and beyond. We discuss current examples, performance limitations, and complementary ESPTs. Finally, we discuss prospects for imaging improvements and deep learning for automation. We foresee that ESPTs will play an enabling role in advancing EESSs as we transition to renewable energies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhiroop Mishra
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA;
| | - Dipobrato Sarbapalli
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA;
| | - Oliver Rodríguez
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA;
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12
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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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13
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Nanoarchitecture factors of solid electrolyte interphase formation via 3D nano-rheology microscopy and surface force-distance spectroscopy. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1321. [PMID: 36898996 PMCID: PMC10006426 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37033-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The solid electrolyte interphase in rechargeable Li-ion batteries, its dynamics and, significantly, its nanoscale structure and composition, hold clues to high-performing and safe energy storage. Unfortunately, knowledge of solid electrolyte interphase formation is limited due to the lack of in situ nano-characterization tools for probing solid-liquid interfaces. Here, we link electrochemical atomic force microscopy, three-dimensional nano-rheology microscopy and surface force-distance spectroscopy, to study, in situ and operando, the dynamic formation of the solid electrolyte interphase starting from a few 0.1 nm thick electrical double layer to the full three-dimensional nanostructured solid electrolyte interphase on the typical graphite basal and edge planes in a Li-ion battery negative electrode. By probing the arrangement of solvent molecules and ions within the electric double layer and quantifying the three-dimensional mechanical property distribution of organic and inorganic components in the as-formed solid electrolyte interphase layer, we reveal the nanoarchitecture factors and atomistic picture of initial solid electrolyte interphase formation on graphite-based negative electrodes in strongly and weakly solvating electrolytes.
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14
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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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15
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Xu X, Valavanis D, Ciocci P, Confederat S, Marcuccio F, Lemineur JF, Actis P, Kanoufi F, Unwin PR. The New Era of High-Throughput Nanoelectrochemistry. Anal Chem 2023; 95:319-356. [PMID: 36625121 PMCID: PMC9835065 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.2c05105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Xiangdong Xu
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, U.K.
| | | | - Paolo Ciocci
- Université
Paris Cité, ITODYS, CNRS, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Samuel Confederat
- School
of Electronic and Electrical Engineering and Pollard Institute, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, U.K.,Bragg
Centre for Materials Research, University
of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, U.K.
| | - Fabio Marcuccio
- School
of Electronic and Electrical Engineering and Pollard Institute, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, U.K.,Bragg
Centre for Materials Research, University
of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, U.K.,Faculty
of Medicine, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | | | - Paolo Actis
- School
of Electronic and Electrical Engineering and Pollard Institute, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, U.K.,Bragg
Centre for Materials Research, University
of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, U.K.,
| | | | - Patrick R. Unwin
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, U.K.,
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16
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Martín-Yerga D, Milan DC, Xu X, Fernández-Vidal J, Whalley L, Cowan AJ, Hardwick LJ, Unwin PR. Dynamics of Solid-Electrolyte Interphase Formation on Silicon Electrodes Revealed by Combinatorial Electrochemical Screening. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022; 61:e202207184. [PMID: 35699678 PMCID: PMC9543478 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202207184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Revealing how formation protocols influence the properties of the solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) on Si electrodes is key to developing the next generation of Li-ion batteries. SEI understanding is, however, limited by the low-throughput nature of conventional characterisation techniques. Herein, correlative scanning electrochemical cell microscopy (SECCM) and shell-isolated nanoparticles for enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SHINERS) are used for combinatorial screening of the SEI formation under a broad experimental space (20 sets of different conditions with several repeats). This novel approach reveals the heterogeneous nature and dynamics of the SEI electrochemical properties and chemical composition on Si electrodes, which evolve in a characteristic manner as a function of cycle number. Correlative SECCM/SHINERS has the potential to screen thousands of candidate experiments on a variety of battery materials to accelerate the optimization of SEI formation methods, a key bottleneck in battery manufacturing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Martín-Yerga
- Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
- The Faraday Institution, Quad One, Harwell Campus, Didcot, OX11 0RA, UK
| | - David C Milan
- Stephenson Institute of Renewable Energy, Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 7ZF, UK
- The Faraday Institution, Quad One, Harwell Campus, Didcot, OX11 0RA, UK
| | - Xiangdong Xu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Julia Fernández-Vidal
- Stephenson Institute of Renewable Energy, Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 7ZF, UK
| | - Laura Whalley
- Stephenson Institute of Renewable Energy, Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 7ZF, UK
- The Faraday Institution, Quad One, Harwell Campus, Didcot, OX11 0RA, UK
| | - Alexander J Cowan
- Stephenson Institute of Renewable Energy, Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 7ZF, UK
- The Faraday Institution, Quad One, Harwell Campus, Didcot, OX11 0RA, UK
| | - Laurence J Hardwick
- Stephenson Institute of Renewable Energy, Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 7ZF, UK
- The Faraday Institution, Quad One, Harwell Campus, Didcot, OX11 0RA, UK
| | - Patrick R Unwin
- Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
- The Faraday Institution, Quad One, Harwell Campus, Didcot, OX11 0RA, UK
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17
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Martín-Yerga D, C. Milan D, Xu X, Fernández-Vidal J, Whalley L, Cowan AJ, Hardwick LJ, Unwin P. Dynamics of Solid‐Electrolyte Interphase Formation on Silicon Electrodes Revealed by Combinatorial Electrochemical Screening. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202207184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Martín-Yerga
- University of Warwick Department of Chemistry Gibbet Hill Rd CV4 7AL Coventry UNITED KINGDOM
| | - David C. Milan
- University of Liverpool Stephenson Institute of Renewable Energy, Department of Chemistry L69 7ZF Liverpool UNITED KINGDOM
| | - Xiangdong Xu
- University of Warwick Department of Chemistry CV4 7AL Coventry UNITED KINGDOM
| | - Julia Fernández-Vidal
- University of Liverpool Stephenson Institute of Renewable Energy, Department of Chemistry L69 7ZF Liverpool UNITED KINGDOM
| | - Laura Whalley
- University of Liverpool Stephenson Institute of Renewable Energy, Department of Chemistry L69 7ZF Liverpool UNITED KINGDOM
| | - Alexander J. Cowan
- University of Liverpool Stephenson Institute of Renewable Energy, Department of Chemistry L69 7ZF UNITED KINGDOM
| | - Laurence J. Hardwick
- University of Liverpool Stephenson Institute of Renewable Energy, Department of Chemistry L69 7ZF Liverpool UNITED KINGDOM
| | - Patrick Unwin
- University of Warwick Chemistry University of Warwick CV4 7AL Coventry UNITED KINGDOM
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