XPEEM characterization of operando anode formation in solid state Na batteries using e-gun as a virtual anode

New battery technologies are needed to overcome the limitations of current Li ion batteries (LIB) in terms of safety, energy density, and environmental/recycling issues. Due to the limited availability of Li and concerns about its recyclability, Na-ion batteries have been proposed as a potential alternative. Solid-state Na-ion batteries are a promising technology for increasing the energy density of batteries, a critical feature for many applications. However, several problems have plagued the development and use of solid-state batteries and have prevented the widespread use of this technology, in particular their low cyclability, i.e. the lack of stability of the battery after a few cycles. In this proposal, we characterize novel zero-excess solid-state Na-ion model batteries, a promising solution for solid-state batteries. We will perform PEEM experiments on the relevant core levels of the sample to obtain reliable information on the early stages of Na anode formation. The results will provide new critical information on the formation of the Na anode-solid electrolyte interface and the complex physicochemical phenomena that take place at the solid electrolyte surface region and their role in the stability of the battery cell.