Powering the future through nano-characterisation

Batteries are used in a wide range of the electronic devices which are taken for granted in our daily life. Li-ion batteries, in particular, have been a key enabling technology for certain consumer electronics over the past decade and are also considered vital for the further development of EVs (Electrical Vehicles).

The presence of impurities and contaminants in the material used in the production of Li-ion batteries can have catastrophic impacts on the finished battery products with incidents of such failures having been widely reported. As such, monitoring of the quality and cleanliness of materials throughout the production process is essential if contaminants are to be found and their sources controlled.

In addition to ensuring contaminants are not present, being able to characterise the microstructure in all parts of a battery is crucial for optimising the design of future devices as well as for failure analysis of existing designs. Improving the battery performance and lifetime (number of charge & discharge cycles) is one of the key obstacles for increased usage in relation to EVs.

In this webinar, we will discuss how the use of Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) combined with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) and Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD) can be used to:

•  Monitor materials quality throughout the production process
•  Investigate failure mechanisms and develop solutions
•  Characterise Li-based phases for next generation battery development

We will do this with reference to specific examples including cleanliness of powders used for production of electrode material. EBSD analysis of electrodes and Li detection in solid-state electrolytes using EDS.