Operando characterisation of solid-state batteries with multi-mode X-ray imaging

Solid-state lithium metal batteries (SSLMBs) are safer to operate as they use a solid-state electrolyte to replace conventional flammable liquid electrolyte. However, SSLMBs suffer from faster degradation over charge and discharge cycles compared with conventional lithium ion batteries. The changes of material chemical composition and microstructure, and the exact degradation mechanisms are not fully understood. We propose to use a correlative X-ray computed tomography with X-ray Compton scattering full field imaging to examine changes of both chemical properties and microstructures of lithium metal anode, solid-state electrolyte, and cathode of the SSLMB during charging and discharging, respectively. At ESRF, we will be able to increase the temporal resolution of the data acquisition process by approximately an order of magnitude over a larger number of battery cycles, providing new insights into the degradation mechanisms of SSLMBs that help improve battery cycling protocols.