Coupling Liquid Electrochemical TEM and Mass-Spectrometry to Investigate Electrochemical Reactions Occurring in a Na-Ion Battery Anode

Tuesday publication post! In this newest work published in #SmallMethods, Kevyn Gallegos-Moncayo, Nicolas Folastre, Milan Toledo, Hélène Tonnoir, François Rabuel, Grégory Gachot, Da Huo, and Arnaud Demortière combined #MassSpectrometry with the #PoseidonAX system to analyze their liquid after electrochemical studies! They looked at sodium-ion batteries for energy storage and investigated changes in the solid electrolyte interphase.

By combining in situ ec-TEM and GC/MS, both liquid and solid byproducts of the reaction were analyzed, offering a holistic understanding of SEI formation.
In an ex situ set-up the authors confirmed Na+ insertion, SEI size (~389 nm), and composition (P, Na, F, O).
⚡Using in situ TEM they revealed cyclability limitations linked to Na plating, which formed a “foam” structure during reactions with DMC/EC electrolyte. This foam transformed into a secondary, inactive SEI that reduced battery performance.
☁️Lastly they observed gas release during the reaction which contributed to structural changes, providing a deeper understanding of why cycling efficiency is compromised.

This study highlights the powerful synergy of in situ ec-TEM and GC/MS, delivering unprecedented insights into SEI formation and Na plating dynamics. By unveiling the role of gas evolution and secondary SEI formation, this work offers a pathway to overcome cyclability challenges and accelerate advancements in sodium-ion battery technology.

Want to read the entire work?
Find it here!
https://www.doi.org/10.1002/smtd.202400365

#Protochips #FindYourBreakthrough #InSituLiquidPhase #LPTEM