Abstract
The demand for measurement tools to detect Li with high spatial resolution and precise chemical sensitivity is increasing with the spread of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) for use in a wide range of applications. In this article, a brief review will be given on recent progress in the chemical state imaging of Li using scanning Auger electron microscopy (SAM). We report a novel method that enables a precise evaluation of oxidation states of Li by the combined use of Auger electron spectroscopy and electron energy loss spectroscopy signals for elemental mapping. Also, we summarize the characterization of spatial distribution of Li in electrochemically lithiated graphite anodes, as an example of application of SAM to the evaluation of actual LIB materials.
