title: In situ quantification and visualization of lithium transport with neutrons.
abstract: A real-time quantification of Li transport using a nondestructive neutron method to measure the Li distribution upon charge and discharge in a Li-ion cell is reported. By using in situ neutron depth profiling (NDP), we probed the onset of lithiation in a high-capacity Sn anode and visualized the enrichment of Li atoms on the surface followed by their propagation into the bulk. The delithiation process shows the removal of Li near the surface, which leads to a decreased coulombic efficiency, likely because of trapped Li within the intermetallic material. The developed in situ NDP provides exceptional sensitivity in the temporal and spatial measurement of Li transport within the battery material. This diagnostic tool opens up possibilities to understand rates of Li transport and their distribution to guide materials development for efficient storage mechanisms. Our observations provide important mechanistic insights for the design of advanced battery materials.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, 100 West 18th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210 (USA).
authors.forename: Danny X
authors.initials: DX
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Jinghui
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Ke
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Pan
authors.forename: Jie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Qiu
authors.forename: Marcello
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Canova
authors.forename: Lei R
authors.initials: LR
authors.lastname: Cao
authors.forename: Anne C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Co
keywords: analytical chemistry; electrochemistry; lithium-ion batteries; neutron depth profiling; tin