Atom Probe Tomography
Atom probe tomography (APT) is a powerful technique for three-dimensional analysis of sub-nanometer structures and compositional variations that can achieve atomic resolution, along with chemical sensitivity for Li. Barnett group used APT for the first time to study the growth of the Cathode Electrolyte Interface (CEI) layer on the surface of a LiMn2O4 cathode.
Three-electrode Impedance Spectroscopy
Impedance spectroscopy is extensively used at our group to investigate interfaces and degradation processes that occur in a Li-ion cell. The three-electrode configuration, which allows us to resolve the cathode and anode contributions, is crucial for the extraction of kinetic and diffusive parameters from the single electrodes.
High-voltage Cathode Materials
We are currently working on the development of high-voltage cathode materials for Li-ion batteries with long cyclability. LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 (LNMO)is the material of choice and different synthetic routes are investigated, including high-energy ball milling and molten-salt synthesis.