With
the increase in dependence on renewable energy sources, interest
in energy storage systems has increased, particularly with solar cells,
redox flow batteries, and lithium batteries. Multiple diagnostic techniques
have been utilized to characterize various factors in relation to
the battery performance. Electrochemical tests were used to study
the energy density, capacity, cycle life, rate, and other related
properties. Furthermore, it is critical to correlate the information
collected from the characterization of materials to its properties
while functioning for advanced batteries. In situ and operando electron
microscopy methods are specifically designed to conduct such characterization,
and analysis was found to be the best method to achieve that objective.
However, the characterization information collected varies according
to the types of electron microscopy techniques. Also, the use of complementary
analytical techniques further provides a more comprehensive study
of these different characterizations, giving insights into the morphology-performance
relationship of battery materials and interfaces. Within this review,
the focus is on in situ and operando electron microscopy characterization
of battery materials, including transmission electron microscopy (TEM),
scanning electron microscopy (SEM), cryogenic transmission electron
microscopy (Cryo-TEM), and three-dimensional (3D) electron tomography.
This review aims to cover both advanced electron microscopy imaging
techniques and their applications in the characterization of battery
materials involving cathode, anode, and separator and solid electrolyte
interphase (SEI). The review discusses a range of advanced electron
microscopy techniques, including TEM, SEM, and atomic force microscopy,
as well as associated analytical techniques such as energy-dispersive
X-ray spectroscopy and electron energy loss spectroscopy. The use
of these techniques has led to significant advances in our understanding
of battery materials, including the identification of new phases and
structures, the study of interface properties, and the characterization
of defects and degradation mechanisms. Future perspectives on these
advanced electron microscopy techniques and opportunities are also
discussed. Overall, this review highlights the importance of electron
microscopy in battery research and the potential for these techniques
to drive future advancements in the field.