Structures and Electrochemical Properties at Electrode/Electrolyte Interfaces in Lithium Ion Batteries

Abstract

Gaining a thorough understanding of the electrochemical interface in lithium ion batteries is essential for the development of a common strategy for the material design. This paper presents the interfacial reaction analyses between intercalation electrodes and organic electrolytes using an epitaxial-film model electrode and in situ surface scattering techniques which directly detect crystal structures in 10 nm-regions from the top of the electrode surface. The crystal structures of the intercalation electrodes drastically change in the surface regions when soaked to the electrolyte and are reconstructed during the initial electrochemical reaction. The reconstructed surface regions have a pronounced effect on the power characteristics and the stability at the subsequent electrochemical cycles.