Understanding Rechargeable Battery Function Using In Operando Neutron Powder Diffraction

The performance of rechargeable batteries is influenced by the structural

and phase changes of components during cycling. Neutron powder diffraction

(NPD) provides unique and useful information concerning the

structure–function relation of battery components and can be used to study

the changes to component phase and structure during battery cycling,

known as in operando measurement studies. The development and use of

NPD for in operando measurements of batteries is summarized along with

detailed experimental approaches that impact the insights gained by these.

A summary of the information gained concerning battery function using in

operando NPD measurements is provided, including the structural and phase

evolution of electrode materials and charge-carrying ion diffusion pathways

through these, which are critical to the development of battery technology.