Real-time X-ray absorption studies of battery materials in the lab

What is it about?

This work explores how rechargeable battery materials change during operation by using laboratory-based X-ray absorption measurements, a technique also known as X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS). Typically, such studies require large synchrotron facilities, but we show that it is possible to track chemical changes in battery materials in real time in a regular lab. Using a specially designed battery cell and two advanced X-ray spectrometers, we followed how iron atoms in lithium-ion and sodium-ion electrodes change during charging and discharging. This approach provides a flexible and faster way to study battery chemistry, helping researchers improve battery performance and develop new, more sustainable materials.

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Photo by Jimmy Wu on Unsplash

Photo by Jimmy Wu on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Monitoring battery materials during operation is crucial for designing better, longer-lasting, and more sustainable batteries. This study demonstrates that laboratory-based X-ray absorption measurements (XAFS) can complement large-scale synchrotron experiments, offering rapid, accessible insights into the electronic structure and chemistry of battery electrodes. By enabling operando studies in the lab, researchers can optimize new materials more efficiently, reduce costs, and accelerate the development of advanced battery technologies.

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