Investigating effect of nickel dissolution on anode SEI morphology in lithium ion batteries by NR

For future generations of lithium ion batteries to be implemented into electrical vehicles, the lifetime and power densities currently achieved must be improved. One of the most important aspects resulting in a long lifetime is the formation of an effective solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer on the graphite anode, while higher power densities are thought to be achieved by using nickel-rich nickel manganese cobalt oxide cathodes such as LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2. Although this is a promising cathode material for use in future generations of LIBs,its utilisation is limited by an increased rate of capacity fading during prolonged electrochemical cycling due to dissolution of the transition metal ions. We will use neutron reflectivity and impedance spectroscopy to study the effects of metal dissolution on the formation of the SEI in order to better understand the degradation mechanisms.