Nano-FTIR Spectroscopy of the Solid Electrolyte Interphase Layer on a Thin-Film Silicon Li-Ion Anode

How scanning probe microscopy can be supported by artificial intelligence and quantum computing?

The impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly expanding, revolutionizing both science and society. It is applied to practically all areas of life, science, and technology, including materials science, which continuously requires novel tools for effective materials characterization. One of the widely used techniques is scanning probe microscopy (SPM). SPM has fundamentally changed materials engineering, biology, and chemistry by providing tools for atomic-precision surface mapping. Despite its many advantages, it also has some drawbacks, such as long scanning times or the possibility of damaging soft-surface materials. In this paper, we focus on the potential for supporting SPM-based measurements, with an emphasis on the application of AI-based algorithms, especially Machine Learning-based algorithms, as well as quantum computing (QC). It has been found that AI can be helpful in automating experimental processes in routine operations, algorithmically searching for optimal sample regions, and elucidating structure-property relationships. Thus, it contributes to increasing the efficiency and accuracy of optical nanoscopy scanning probes. Moreover, the combination of AI-based algorithms and QC may have enormous potential to enhance the practical application of SPM. The limitations of the AI-QC-based approach were also discussed. Finally, we outline a research path for improving AI-QC-powered SPM. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Artificial intelligence and quantum computing as support for scanning probe microscopy. The analysis indicates a research gap in the field of scanning probe microscopy. The research aims to shed light into ai-qc-powered scanning probe microscopy.

Synchrotron Near-Field Infrared Nanospectroscopy and Nanoimaging of Lithium Fluoride in Solid Electrolyte Interphases in Li-Ion Battery Anodes

Lithium fluoride (LiF) is a ubiquitous component in the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer in Li-ion batteries. However, its nanoscale structure, morphology, and topology, important factors for understanding LiF and SEI film functionality, including electrode passivity, are often unknown due to limitations in spatial resolution of common characterization techniques. Ultrabroadband near-field synchrotron infrared nanospectroscopy (SINS) enables such detection and mapping of LiF in SEI layers in the far-infrared region down to ca. 322 cm-1 with a nanoscale spatial resolution of ca. 20 nm. The surface sensitivity of SINS and the large infrared absorption cross section of LiF, which can support local surface phonons under certain circumstances, enabled characterization of model LiF samples of varying structure, thickness, surface roughness, and degree of crystallinity, as confirmed by atomic force microscopy, attenuated total reflectance FTIR, SINS, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, high-angle annular dark-field, and scanning transmission electron microscopy. Enabled by this approach, LiF within SEI films formed on Cu, Si, and metallic glass Si40Al50Fe10 electrodes was detected and characterized. The nanoscale morphologies and topologies of LiF in these SEI layers were evaluated to gain insights into LiF nucleation, growth, and the resulting nuances in the electrode surface passivity.

Promoting Homogeneous Zinc-Ion Transfer Through Preferential Ion Coordination Effect in Gel Electrolyte for Stable Zinc Metal Batteries

Aqueous zinc metal batteries (AZMBs) are emerging energy storage systems that are poised to replace conventional lithium-ion batteries owing to their intrinsic safety, facile manufacturing process, economic benefits, and superior ionic conductivity. However, the issues of inferior anode reversibility and dendritic plating during operation remain challenging for the practical use of AZMBs. Herein, a gel electrolyte based on zwitterionic poly(sulfobetaine methacrylate) (poly(SBMA)) dissolved with different concentrations of ZnSO4 is proposed. Two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy based on Raman analysis reveals an enhanced interaction priority between the polar groups in SBMA and the dissolved ions as electrolyte concentration increases, which establishes a robust interaction and renders homogeneous ion distribution. Attributable to the modified coordination, zwitterionic gel polymer electrolyte with 5 mol kg-1 of ZnSO4 (ZGPE-5) facilitates stable zinc deposition and improves anode reversibility. By taking advantage of preferential coordination, a symmetrical cell evaluation employing ZGPE-5 demonstrates a cycle life over 3600 h, where ZGPE-5 also exerts a beneficial effect on the full cell cycling when assembled with Zn0.25 V2 O5 cathode. This study elucidates changes in the internal ion behavior that are dependent on electrolyte concentrations and pave the way for durable AZMBs.

Mechanical and Surface Properties of Edible Coatings Elaborated with Nanoliposomes Encapsulating Grape Seed Tannins and Polysaccharides

Edible composite coatings (ECC) formulated from biopolymers that incorporate antioxidant molecules represent an innovative alternative to improve food texture and provide health benefits. Tannins have aroused great interest due to their ability to stabilize suspensions and counteract the effects of free radicals. The mechanical and surface properties are crucial to establishing its quality and applicability. In this study, the objective was to analyze the mechanical and surface properties of ECC made with nanoliposomes that encapsulate grape seed tannins (TLS) and polysaccharides such as hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) and kappa carrageenan (KCG) for their future direct application in foods susceptible to oxidation. The inclusion of HPMC or KCG affected the density, showing values in the range of 1010 to 1050 [kg/m3], evidencing significant changes (p < 0.05) in the surface tension in the TLS/FS-HPMC and TLS/FS mixtures. KCG and in the dispersion coefficients, with values in the range of -2.9 to -17.6 [mN/m] in HPS (S1) and -17.6 to -40.9 [mN/m] in PDMS (S2). The TLS/FS-HPMC coating showed higher stiffness and elastic recovery capacity than the TLS/FS-KCG coating, suggesting that the presence of TLS influenced the stiffness of the polymer. HPMC is recommended as a suitable polymer for coating solids, while KCG is more appropriate for suspensions. These findings provide valuable information for directly applying these ECC compounds to food products, potentially offering better preservation and health benefits.

FTIR spectrum analysis to predict the crystalline and amorphous phases of hydroxyapatite: a comparison of vibrational motion to reflection

Hydroxyapatites were synthesized from calcium carbonate and ortho-phosphoric acid in amorphous and crystalline phases by varying sintering temperature from 300 to 1100 °C maintaining an increment of 200 °C. The asymmetric and symmetric stretching, and bending vibrations of phosphate and hydroxyl groups were explored in Fourier transformation infrared (FTIR) spectra. Although the FTIR spectra revealed identical peaks in the full range (400-4000 cm^-1 wavenumber), the narrow spectra exerted variations by splitting peaks and intensity. The intensities of peaks at 563, 599, 630, 962, 1026, and 1087 cm^-1 wavenumbers were intensified gradually with the augmentation of sintering temperature, and the relation between the relative peak intensity and sintering temperature was correlated with the aid of the good linear regression coefficient. Peak separations were also found in the case of 962 and 1087 cm^-1 wavenumbers when the sintering temperature was equal to or exceeded 700 °C. The conventional X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique was also employed to explore the crystalline and amorphous phases of synthesized hydroxyapatites.

Effects of Butadiene Sulfone as an Electrolyte Additive on the Formation of Solid Electrolyte Interphase in Lithium-Ion Batteries Based on Li4Ti5O12 Anode Materials

In this study, butadiene sulfone (BS) was selected as an efficient electrolyte additive to stabilize the solid electrolyte interface (SEI) film on the lithium titanium oxide (LTO) electrodes in Li-ion batteries (LIBs). It was found that the use of BS as an additive could accelerate the growth of stable SEI film on the LTO surface, leading to the improved electrochemical stability of LTO electrodes. It can be supported by the BS additive to effectively reduce the thickness of SEI film, and it significantly enhances the electron migration in the SEI film. Consequently, the LIB-based LTO anode in the electrolyte containing 0.5 wt.% BS showed a superior electrochemical performance to that in the absence of BS. This work provides a new prospect for an efficient electrolyte additive for next-generation LIBs-based LTO anodes, especially when discharged to low voltage.

The Effect of the SEI Layer Mechanical Deformation on the Passivity of a Si Anode in Organic Carbonate Electrolytes

The solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) on a Si negative electrode in carbonate-based organic electrolytes shows intrinsically poor passivating behavior, giving rise to unsatisfactory calendar life of Li-ion batteries. Moreover, mechanical strains induced in the SEI due to large volume changes of Si during charge-discharge cycling could contribute to its mechanical instability and poor passivating behavior. This study elucidates the influence that static mechanical deformation of the SEI has on the rate of unwanted parasitic reactions at the Si/electrolyte interface as a function of electrode potential. The experimental approach involves the utilization of Si thin-film electrodes on substrates with disparate elastic moduli, which either permit or suppress the SEI deformation in response to Si volume changes upon charging-discharging. We find that static mechanical stretching and deformation of the SEI results in an increased parasitic electrolyte reduction current on Si. Furthermore, attenuated total reflection and near-field Fourier-transform infrared nanospectroscopy reveal that the static mechanical stretching and deformation of the SEI fosters a selective transport of linear carbonate solvent through, and nanoconfinement within, the SEI. These, in turn, promote selective solvent reduction and continuous electrolyte decomposition on Si electrodes, reducing the calendar life of Si anode-based Li-ion batteries. Finally, possible correlations between the structure and chemical composition of the SEI layer and its mechanical and chemical resilience under prolonged mechanical deformation are discussed in detail.