Neutron scattering for research of materials and transient processes in lithium power sources by Mikhail V. Avdeev

We are pleased to announce the invited talk given by Mikhail V. Avdeev, Professor at Frank Laboratory of Neutron Physics, Joint Institute for Nuclear Research, Dubna, Moscow region, Russia about “Neutron scattering for research of materials and transient processes in lithium power sources”.   The current rapid development of electric transport, robotics, as well as the miniaturization and increasing functionality of portable electronic devices call for the creation of more advanced electrochemical energy storage devices. At present, lithium-ion batteries exhibit the highest specific energy storage capacity, the basis of which is the ability of electrode materials to insert (intercalate) and extract (deintercalate) lithium ions during battery charging/discharging, respectively. Further ways to significantly increase the specific capacity of electrochemical sources today are associated with lithium energy storage devices of ‘non-intercalation’ type, such as lithium-ion sources with metal anodes or lithium-oxygen cells with carbon-based cathodes. In turn, this determines the urgent need for the development of experimental approaches that would make it possible to explore the structure of electrodes and electrolytes in bulk and at interfaces including those in operating cells. Scattering of thermal (energy <0.5 eV) neutrons has proven to be a promising technique for this purpose, which allows tracking the structural evolution of the components of electrochemical cells. The report provides a review of the recent advances in neutron scattering methods for research related to the development of lithium power sources of different types. It summarizes the experimental studies and diagnostics of electrode materials and electrochemical interfaces using neutron diffraction, reflectometry and small-angle scattering over the past ten years. The results obtained establish relationships between the microstructure of the components and macroscopic characteristics of electrochemical cells in various conditions.   The talk will be on September 7^th at 11:00. The event is free and open for everybody, it will be online via TEAMS with the following link: Teams Link Do not miss it!