Overview of Short-Range Environments of Iron (III) oxide in Strontium-Borate Glass for Anode Lithium-ion Battery Development

The development of efficient and durable lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) is crucial for advancing energy storage technology. This study explores the potential of iron (III) oxide-doped strontium-borate glass as an anode material for LIBs, with a specific focus on the microstructural influences on electrochemical performance. Neutron diffraction is required to investigate the short-range environments of iron and boron cations within the glass structure, particularly focusing on their coordination numbers and interatomic distances. Preliminary studies suggest that iron typically exhibits coordination numbers ranging from four to six within the borate system, influencing the electronic structure and, consequently, the material's conductivity. Our approach integrates neutron diffraction data with existing electrochemical performance metrics to establish a correlation between the microstructure, specifically the Fe-O and B-O coordination, and the anode's efficiency. By elucidating the structural parameters that impact the electrochemical properties of these glasses, this research aims to provide insights into designing more effective anode materials for LIBs, thereby enhancing battery performance and longevity.