Investigating the Three-Dimensional Microstructural Characteristics of Lithium-Sulfur Electrodes with X-ray Micro-Tomography. (7th July 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tan, Chun; Randjbar Daemi, Sohrab; Brett, Daniel J.L.; Shearing, Paul R.
• Is Part Of: ECS transactions. Volume 77:Number 11(2017)
• Page Start: 447
• Page End: 455
• Publication Date: 2017-07-07
• Subjects: Electrochemistry -- Periodicals; Electrochemistry; Periodicals; Electronic journals; Electronic journal; 541.37
• DOI: 10.1149/07711.0447ecst
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1938-5862

Abstract

Abstract : The Li-S battery has the potential to replace Li-ion batteries in high capacity and high gravimetric energy density applications, but certain technical challenges result in diminished cycle life and have hindered its commercialization. Lab-scale X-ray micro-tomography was performed on an elemental sulfur electrode and a miniaturized in-situ tomography Li-S cell, and the 3D visualization achieved with this technique provides a wealth of information, improving understanding of the evolution of morphological and microstructural parameters of the different phases. As X-ray imaging is inherently non-destructive, it enables these parameters to be observed in-situ as a function of cycle life and state of charge. The inherently anisotropic nature of active material dissolution, recrystallization and other degradation processes within the electrode necessitates a three-dimensional approach to enable their visualization and quantification, and X-ray tomography is a useful tool in informing the development of more optimal electrode designs.