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Three-Phase 3D Reconstruction of a LiCoO2 Cathode via FIB-SEM Tomography

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  14 January 2016

Zhao Liu Open the ORCID record for Zhao Liu [Opens in a new window] ,
Yu-chen K. Chen-Wiegart ,
Jun Wang ,
Scott A. Barnett  and
Katherine T. Faber
Zhao Liu
Affiliation:
Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
Yu-chen K. Chen-Wiegart
Affiliation:
Photon Science Directorate, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY 11973, USA
Jun Wang
Affiliation:
Photon Science Directorate, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY 11973, USA
Scott A. Barnett*
Affiliation:
Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
Katherine T. Faber*
Affiliation:
Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
*
*Corresponding authors. s-barnett@northwestern.edu; k-faber@northwestern.edu
*Corresponding authors. s-barnett@northwestern.edu; k-faber@northwestern.edu
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Abstract

Three-phase three-dimensional (3D) microstructural reconstructions of lithium-ion battery electrodes are critical input for 3D simulations of electrode lithiation/delithiation, which provide a detailed understanding of battery operation. In this report, 3D images of a LiCoO2 electrode are achieved using focused ion beam-scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM), with clear contrast among the three phases: LiCoO2 particles, carbonaceous phases (carbon and binder) and the electrolyte space. The good contrast was achieved by utilizing an improved FIB-SEM sample preparation method that combined infiltration of the electrolyte space with a low-viscosity silicone resin and triple ion-beam polishing. Morphological parameters quantified include phase volume fraction, surface area, feature size distribution, connectivity, and tortuosity. Electrolyte tortuosity was determined using two different geometric calculations that were in good agreement. The electrolyte tortuosity distribution versus position within the electrode was found to be highly inhomogeneous; this will lead to inhomogeneous electrode lithiation/delithiation at high C-rates that could potentially cause battery degradation.

Keywords

Li-ion batteriesthree-phase 3D reconstructionFIB-SEM tomographycathodemicrostructure
Type
Materials Applications
Information
Microscopy and Microanalysis , Volume 22 , Supplement 1 , February 2016 , pp. 140 - 148
Copyright
© Microscopy Society of America 2016 

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Footnotes

†

Current address: California Institute of Technology, MC 138-78, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA.

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