Grant Norton

Using TEM Operando Methods to Understand Energy Storage

The structure and electrochemistry of battery technologies is well established but is inadequate for anticipated future needs (e.g., [1, 2]). One aspect that has not been examined thoroughly is exactly how the materials change during cycling between charging and discharging modes. Most studies of these processes rely on electrochemical measurements and indirect assumptions of the processes that are actually involved. The structural changes that occur have been assumed to make certain systems unusable but if the dimensions of the device are changed or if the morphology of the materials involved is reduced, these materials may become of interest, especially if combined with other candidate materials, e.g., in SnO2/Sn or Sn/C composites.