New Opportunities for Air Cathode Batteries; in-Situ Neutron Diffraction Measurements

Abstract

Batteries with air electrodes are gaining interest as Energy Storage Systems (ESSs) for Electrical Vehicles (EVs) because of their high specific energy density. The electrochemical performance of these batteries is limited by the metallic electrode, which suffers structural transformations and corrosion during cycling that reduces the cycle life of the battery. In this context, relevant information on the discharge products may be obtained by in-situ neutron diffraction, a suitable technique to study electrodes that contain light elements or near neighbor elements in the periodic table. Case studies of MH-air and Fe-air batteries are highlighted.

Aluminum–air batteries: current advances and promises with future directions

“…There are some reports in the literature based on lithium-and zinc-air batteries related to in situ operation such as in situ XRD, in situ Raman, and XPS, providing a better understanding of the reaction mechanism and microscopic changes in different charge/discharge states. 261,262 Operando XRD can highlight the activity of the metal-air battery by monitoring the ORR process by the detection of the adsorption of oxygen intermediates, resulting in different Al-crystallographic phases. 263 Similarly, in situ Raman measurements will also be benecial with less limitations to check the structural changes and provide details of the interfaces during the discharge/charge process, especially to check the formation of carbonates and any anode surface degradation while interacting with the electrolyte.…”