Synchrotron X-ray nano computed tomography based simulation of stress evolution in LiMn2O4 electrodes

Bridging nano- and microscale X-ray tomography for battery research by leveraging artificial intelligence

X-ray computed tomography (CT) is a non-destructive imaging technique in which contrast originates from the materials' absorption coefficient. The recent development of laboratory nanoscale CT (nano-CT) systems has pushed the spatial resolution for battery material imaging to voxel sizes of 50 nm, a limit previously achievable only with synchrotron facilities. Given the non-destructive nature of CT, in situ and operando studies have emerged as powerful methods to quantify morphological parameters, such as tortuosity factor, porosity, surface area and volume expansion, during battery operation or cycling. Combined with artificial intelligence and machine learning analysis techniques, nano-CT has enabled the development of predictive models to analyse the impact of the electrode microstructure on cell performances or the influence of material heterogeneities on electrochemical responses. In this Review, we discuss the role of X-ray CT and nano-CT experimentation in the battery field, discuss the incorporation of artificial intelligence and machine learning analyses and provide a perspective on how the combination of multiscale CT imaging techniques can expand the development of predictive multiscale battery behavioural models.

Synchrotron X-Ray Tomography for Rechargeable Battery Research: Fundamentals, Setups and Applications

Understanding the complicated interplay of the continuously evolving electrode materials in their inherent 3D states during the battery operating condition is of great importance for advancing rechargeable battery research. In this regard, the synchrotron X-ray tomography technique, which enables non-destructive, multi-scale, and 3D imaging of a variety of electrode components before/during/after battery operation, becomes an essential tool to deepen this understanding. The past few years have witnessed an increasingly growing interest in applying this technique in battery research. Hence, it is time to not only summarize the already obtained battery-related knowledge by using this technique, but also to present a fundamental elucidation of this technique to boost future studies in battery research. To this end, this review firstly introduces the fundamental principles and experimental setups of the synchrotron X-ray tomography technique. After that, a user guide to its application in battery research and examples of its applications in research of various types of batteries are presented. The current review ends with a discussion of the future opportunities of this technique for next-generation rechargeable batteries research. It is expected that this review can enhance the reader's understanding of the synchrotron X-ray tomography technique and stimulate new ideas and opportunities in battery research.

Multiscale Synchrotron-Based Imaging Analysis for the Transfer of PEGylated Gold Nanoparticles In Vivo

High spatial resolution imaging analysis is urgently needed to explore the biodistribution, transfer and clearance profiles, and biological impact of nanoparticles in the body, which will be helpful to clarify the efficacy of nanomedicine in clinical applications. Herein, by combination with multiscale synchrotron-based imaging techniques, including X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and micro X-ray phase contrast computed tomography (micro-XPCT), we visually displayed the transfer patterns and site-specific distribution of PEGylated gold nanoparticles (PEG-GNPs) in the suborgans of the liver, spleen, and kidney after an intravenous injection in mice. A combination of XRF and FTIR imaging analysis showed that the PEG bands presented similar distribution patterns with Au in the intraorgans, suggesting the stability of PEGylation on GNPs. We show that the PEG-GNPs presented heterogeneous distribution in the hepatic lobules with a large amount around the portal vein zone and then a gradient decrease in the sinusoidal region and the CV zone; in the spleen, it gradually accumulated in the splenic red pulp over time; and in the kidney, it quickly transported via the bloodstream to the renal pyramids and renal pelvis, and parts of PEG-GNPs finally accumulated in the renal medulla and renal cortex. Multidimensional micro-XPCT images further show that the PEG-GNP transfer in the liver induced hepatic blood vessel dilatation while they transferred in the liver, providing evidence of GNP transport across the blood vessel endothelial barrier.

Controllable Fabrication and Li Storage Kinetics of 1 D Spinel LiMn2 O4 Positive Materials for Li-ion Batteries: An Exploration of Critical Diameter

The morphology and size of nanoelectrode materials determine their properties. Compared to the bulk structure electrodes, 1 D electrode materials for Li-ion batteries have been intensively studied owing to their excellent Li⁺ diffusion kinetics. It is generally accepted that smaller-sized electrode materials lead to better Li storage kinetics. In this study, this is found to not be the case in 1 D LiMn₂ O₄ positive materials. A facile strategy of manipulating the KMnO₄ concentration is introduced to precisely fabricate 1 D LiMn₂ O₄ nanorods with four distinct diameter gradients from 30 to 170 nm. The role of 1 D crystal size in effecting interface chemical species and electrochemical performance is elucidated by comparative characterization methods. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) Ar-ion etching technology shows that the Mn²⁺ is electrochemically inactive on the surface of the sample, which explains the adverse effects observed on LiMn₂ O₄ nanorods with the minimum diameter of 30-40 nm, such as decreased discharge capacity. The LiMn₂ O₄ nanorod with a critical diameter of approximately 70-80 nm displays the highest discharge capacity and promising cycling performance. This work clarifies an important property that has previously been neglected and deepens the understanding for design of Mn-based positive materials.