In this presentation, we will present a recent example on electrode/electrolyte interfaces of materials for energy storage devices using hard X-rays photoelectron spectroscopy (HAXPES). A nondestructive analysis was made through the electrode/electrolyte interface of the first electrochemical cycle to ensure access to information not only on the active material, but also on the passivation layer formed at the electrode surface and referred to as the solid permeable interface (SPI). [1]
While electrode/electrolyte study has been performed widely on Li-ion battery, not so much attention as been addressed to the Na-ion technology so far. We will focus in this presentation to NaxCo2/3Mn2/9Ni1/9O2, a novel intercalation material that could be be used as cathode in Na-ion batteries. [2] During a typical charge/discharge cycle (i.e. extraction/insertion of Na+ ions), the oxidation state of the various transition metals in the compound changes in a reversible way. A step by step analysis of the first electrochemical cycle was carried out by HAXPES providing unique information on the oxidation state of Ni, Co and Mn as well as a very interesting insight into the passivation layer present at the surface of the electrode, which results from the degradation of the electrolyte components upon reaction. This investigation shows the role of the SPI and the complexity of the redox reactions. [3]
[1] B. Philippe, M. Hahlin, K. Edström, T. Gustafsson, H. Siegbahn, H. Rensmo, J. Electrochem. Soc, 2016, 163, A178-A191
[2] S. Doubaji, M. Valvo, I. Saadoune, M. Dahbi, K.Edström, J. Power Sources, 2014, 266, 275-281
[3] S. Doubaji, B. Philippe, I. Saadoune, M. Gorgoi, T. Gustafsson, A. Solhy, M. Valvo, H. Rensmo, K. Edström, ChemSusChem, 2016, 9, 97-108