Project 2-5

Host institution:
Technische Universität Braunschweig, Institute of Technical Chemistry, the Electrocatalysis Laboratory

Supervision:
First supervisor: Prof. Dr. Mehtap Özaslan, Institute for Technical Chemistry of TU Braunschweig, m.oezaslan(at)tu-braunschweig.de

Second supervisor: Prof. Dr. Katharina Uta Schlickum, Institute for Applied Physics

Spatially resolved investigations of structure and composition are of large interest to better understand the performance and aging behaviors of Li-ion battery materials. The goal of this project is to analyze electrode composites in the cross-section and depth profile using atomic force microscopy (AFM), surface-sensitive Raman spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The characterization of electrode composition on different length scales enables to illuminate the critical parameters for improving their performance and life-time.

Specific objectives:

• Providing details of the performance and aging processes of Li-ion battery materials by using a unique combination of AFM, Raman and XPS techniques
• Cross-section and depth profile analysis of electrode composites at different length scales
• Correlation of the local structure and composition of electrode composites with the cycle stability and capacity rate

Expected outcome:

• Three-dimensional description of new, aged and recycled electrode composites in respect of their structural and elemental homogeneity
• Identification of the critical parameters for improving the performance and life-time of Li-ion battery materials
• Development of avoidance strategy for enrichment of inorganic and organic impurities in recycled Li-ion battery materials