Understanding the short range order in Silicon anodes using in-situ PDF scattering

Next Gen batteries with improved energy densities are needed to electrify the automotive sector and meet ambitious Net Zero targets. These will use active materials such as silicon/silicon oxide which are primarily amorphous or semi-crystalline during cycling, and extremely difficult to probe using traditional techniques such as X-ray diffraction. Furthermore, these phases may be transient or metastable and must be characterised during operation. We propose 4D (3 dimensions+ time) atomic mapping of working cells using pair-distribution-function computed tomography (PDF-CT), where total scattering data can be acquired with high spatial resolution, as a tool to understand these materials and their evolution during cycling. These investigations will reveal, and allow us to understand,important phase transitions and transformations in advanced chemistries and device architectures. This technique is a relatively new development and severely underexplored for energy storage applications