In Situ Characterization of Electrochemical Interfaces in Battery Materials

In situ characterization of electrochemical interfaces has emerged as a pivotal field of study for advancing next-generation battery technologies. By probing the dynamic processes at electrode–electrolyte boundaries under real operating conditions, researchers can elucidate mechanisms of charge transfer, interphase formation and structural evolution that govern battery performance, safety and longevity. Key objectives include mapping the formation and growth of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI), tracking phase transformations in cathode and anode materials, and understanding ion transport pathways at nanoscale and mesoscale. Techniques spanning synchrotron X-ray methods, electron microscopy, scattering techniques and atomic force microscopy are increasingly integrated to deliver multiscale insights. This knowledge underpins the rational design of electrolyte formulations, electrode architectures and surface coatings that suppress degradation, mitigate dendrite growth and optimise rate capability. The outcome is a more reliable and higher-energy-density battery for applications ranging from portable electronics to electric vehicles and grid storage.

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In Situ Characterization of Electrochemical Interfaces in Battery Materials publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in in situ characterization of electrochemical interfaces in battery materials across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

In situ characterization: Techniques that monitor materials under real operating conditions without interrupting electrochemical reactions.

Solid electrolyte interphase (SEI): A nanometre-scale passivation film formed at the anode–electrolyte interface that regulates ion transport and stabilises electrode surfaces.

Operando measurement: Real-time monitoring of structural, chemical or mechanical changes in an active device during normal operation.

Synchrotron X-ray techniques: High-flux, tunable X-ray methods (e.g. XAFS, SAXS, XRD) that probe atomic environments, phase distribution and microstructural evolution in materials.

Electrochemical atomic force microscopy (EC-AFM): A scanning probe method that measures surface topography and nanomechanical properties of electrode films in contact with electrolyte under bias.

References

1. Solid electrolyte interphases in lithium metal batteries. Joule (2023).
2. Inside Front Cover: Recent advances in battery characterization using in situ XAFS, SAXS, XRD, and their combining techniques: From single scale to multiscale structure detection (EXP2 1/2024). Exploration (2024).
3. Operando Electrochemical Atomic Force Microscopy of Solid–Electrolyte Interphase Formation on Graphite Anodes: The Evolution of SEI Morphology and Mechanical Properties. ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces (2020).