Winton lunchtime talk: Electrochemical Atomic Force Microscopy of Battery Interfaces

 A sandwich lunch is provided for all talk attendees afterwards to continue the discussion.

Abstract:

The successful deployment of materials for advanced batteries requires an in-depth understanding of the correlation between their electrochemical performance and structural and mechanical evolution across multiple length scales. We must also quantify the reaction kinetics of their interfacial processes. In situ and operando Electrochemical Atomic Force microscopy (EC-AFM) is a powerful tool that can simultaneously reveal these relationships with nanoscale resolution.

By studying the electrode-electrolyte interface of battery materials using EC-AFM we have been able to reveal unique changes in their morphological and nano-mechanical behaviour as they cycle, develop and degrade. In lithium ion batteries (LIBs) we have utilized graphitic anode materials to reveal how solid electrolyte interface behaviour (structure, stability) is highly dependent on the various electrolytes and commercially-relevant additives used. Whereas in zinc ion batteries (ZIBs) we have studied Zn deposition on metallic anodes, showing that the initial, pre-cycling, roughness of the Zn foil electrode defines the subsequent plating/stripping morphology and cycling behaviour. Finally, by studying two dimensional materials, which offer greatly enhanced properties when compared to their bulk counterparts, for application in sodium ion batteries (NIBs) we have visualized structural and phase change at materials that may be vital in the next-generation of batteries. Together, by discussing these studies, we will demonstrate the versatility of EC-AFM for characterizing batteries, in particular its ability to reveal phenomena that other commonly utilized tools are blind to. This will highlight the important role EC-AFM can play in facilitating the progress of future battery research.

Bio: Thomas S. Miller joined the Department of Chemical Engineering at UCL in May 2018. Based in the Electrochemical Innovation Lab (EIL), he is an expert in electrochemistry and electrochemical technologies and has made significant contributions across fundamental and applied projects in areas including electrochemical energy storage and conversion, nanoparticle catalysis and the electrochemistry of novel materials. In particular, he is an expert in situ and operando characterisation. He has held an EPSRC Fellowship (2018 - 2021) and is a Co-I on the Faraday Institution LiSTAR (LiS battery) project.