Lithium Distribution Maps by Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy (STEM)-Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy (EELS)

Abstract

  Detection of lithium in local area of materials is important subject for the development of electrode materials for Li-ion batteries. Electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) with scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) is powerful technique to investigate the materials for Li-ion batteries. STEM-EELS has high spatial resolution and high sensitivity for Li and Li compounds. Practical methods to visualize the Li distribution in electrode materials using STEM-EELS spectrum imaging method are reviewed. Applications of STEM-EELS method to the analyses of oxide coated LiCoO₂ were also presented briefly.