Advancements and Challenges in Lithium Battery Technology

Over the past decade, lithium battery technology has garnered considerable attention due to its widespread use in consumer electronics, transportation electrification, and stationary grid storage. It is also crucial for achieving a sustainable and carbon-neutral society. Despite notable advancements, current lithium battery technology still falls short of meeting society’s rapidly growing demand for safer batteries with longer lifespans and improved energy and power performance. To push the boundaries further, it is vital to gain a deep understanding of the structure and chemistry of each component and its construction materials.

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is a powerful imaging and analysis technique for characterizing material structures and chemistry at the micro- and nanoscale. It has become an essential tool for battery materials research, quality control, and failure analysis among battery material and cell manufacturers. However, the diverse nature of battery materials presents unique challenges. For instance, separator materials are electrically insulating and highly beam-sensitive, whereas Li-metal anodes are electrically conductive and extremely sensitive to air exposure. Accurately capturing structural information from these varying sample types is no small feat.

Consequently, SEM manufacturers must provide tailored guidance to the battery industry on proper sample handling and imaging techniques to ensure accurate characterization of these materials