Understanding electrochemical interfaces in batteries by operando ambient pressure photoelectron spectroscopy

The functional interfaces between electrodes and electrolyte in batteries are the heart of chemical-electric energy conversion. Here redox reactions occur through charge transfer of electrons and lithium ions.

The Galvani potential difference (Δϕ) is an electrostatic potential difference that exists between two phases in contact.

In lithium ion batteries a Δϕ is present in the functional interfaces, and it influence e.g. the charge transfer kinetics.

The project intends to use operando ambient pressure photoelectron spectroscopy (APPES), to gain fundamental knowledge of how the Δϕ influence the battery performance. This will be complemented with other electrochemical methods.

The project has four focus areas: the influence of size of Δϕ, Δϕ depth profile, effect of additives and coatings on Δϕ, correlation of Δϕ with charge transfer kinetics and diffusions. The project will run over 4-years as part of a PhD-education at Uppsala University. Applicant will be project leader and main supervisor of PhD-student.

The project is part of methodology development of operando APPES for battery applications.

Developing a deeper fundamental knowledge on battery interfaces as well as further methodology development of operando APPES are expected to make a strong contribution to battery research community.

It will enable design of better batteries and provide a strong technique that give atomic level information on the operating battery interface.