Local Structure of Layered Oxide Electrode Materials for Lithium‐Ion Batteries

Abstract

Li‐ion batteries are promising candidates for electrical energy storage in applications ranging from portable electronics to hybrid and electric vehicles. In this context, layered compounds in the Li_1+δ(TM_xMn_1‐x)_1‐δO₂ family (TM = transition metal) have received much attention due to their high capacity and stability. In this Research News article we describe recent advances on structural characterization of Li‐ion electrode materials using state‐of‐the‐art electron microscopy. Direct evidence of the monoclinic nature of Li₂MnO₃ has been provided. It has been demonstrated that differences in Z‐contrast imaging between Li₂MnO₃ and LiTMO₂ may be used to screen samples for phase separation in the 10–100 nm scale.