Operando PDF and XAS to study effect of different electrolytes on intermediate phases of Sn-based anodes in Na-ion batteries

Conversion-alloying materials (CAMs) as anode materials for Na-ion batteries (NIBs) are capable of
delivering a stable capacity higher than that of state-of-the-art materials. However, CAMs have a very
complex cycling mechanism as they undergo a series of transformations with formation of crystalline
and/or amorphous phases. [1,2] We have recently discovered a strong dependency of cycling
mechanisms in batteries on the selected electrolyte. [3] However, the current understanding of effect
of different electrolytes on de(sodiation) mechanism of CAMs is very limited. The proposed
experiment will elucidate the operating mechanism of sub stoichiometric Tin (II) oxides (SnOx) in
different electrolytes for NIBs using combined pair distribution function (PDF) and X-ray absorption
spectroscopy (XAS). This experiment aims to highlight fundamental differences in cycling and
performance caused by electrolytes on SnOx.