In situ and Operando X-ray Absorption Tomography and X-ray Diffraction Computed Tomography for the characterization of solid-state lithium/s

Solid-state electrolytes are not flammable and should allow the use of high capacity lithium (Li) metal negative electrode, thus being one of the viable solutions that could stimulate a breakthrough in battery safety and energy density. The interfacial contact between solid electrolytes and the electrodes causes several issues: increase of interfacial resistance at the positive and negative electrodes, volume changes, reactivity between the solid electrolyte and the electrode materials, lithium dendrites formation. In this proposal, we aim to investigate in situ samples and operando cells to characterize the structural and chemical interfacial degradation between the electrodes (Li metal anode and sulfur cathode) and the solid electrolyte using X-ray diffraction computed tomography (XRD-CT) and absorption/phase contrast tomography. The goal is to identify chemical reactions and structural evolution occurring locally at the solid electrolyte/electrodes interfaces and master them.