Revealing the Atomic Origin of Heterogeneous Li-Ion Diffusion by Probing Na

Research output: Journal Publications and ReviewsRGC 21 - Publication in refereed journalpeer-review

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Author(s)

  • Biwei Xiao
  • Kuan Wang
  • Gui-Liang Xu
  • Junhua Song
  • Zonghai Chen
  • Khalil Amine
  • David Reed
  • Manling Sui
  • Vincent Sprenkle
  • Pengfei Yan
  • Xiaolin Li

Detail(s)

Original languageEnglish
Article number1805889
Journal / PublicationAdvanced Materials
Volume31
Issue number29
Online published30 May 2019
Publication statusPublished - 19 Jul 2019
Externally publishedYes

Abstract

Tracing the dynamic process of Li-ion transport at the atomic scale has long been attempted in solid state ionics and is essential for battery material engineering. Approaches via phase change, strain, and valence states of redox species have been developed to circumvent the technical challenge of direct imaging Li; however, all are limited by poor spatial resolution and weak correlation with state-of-charge (SOC). An ion-exchange approach is adopted by sodiating the delithiated cathode and probing Na distribution to trace the Li deintercalation, which enables the visualization of heterogeneous Li-ion diffusion down to the atomic level. In a model LiNi1/3Mn1/3Co1/3O2 cathode, dislocation-mediated ion diffusion is kinetically favorable at low SOC and planar diffusion along (003) layers dominates at high SOC. These processes work synergistically to determine the overall ion-diffusion dynamics. The heterogeneous nature of ion diffusion in battery materials is unveiled and the role of defect engineering in tailoring ion-transport kinetics is stressed.

Research Area(s)

  • dislocation diffusion, ion exchange, layer diffusion, layered cathodes, lithium-ion batteries

Citation Format(s)

Revealing the Atomic Origin of Heterogeneous Li-Ion Diffusion by Probing Na. / Xiao, Biwei; Wang, Kuan; Xu, Gui-Liang et al.
In: Advanced Materials, Vol. 31, No. 29, 1805889, 19.07.2019.

Research output: Journal Publications and ReviewsRGC 21 - Publication in refereed journalpeer-review