The use of in-situ Raman spectroscopy in investigating carbon materials as anodes of alkali metal-ion batteries

Raman spectroscopy is a fast, non-destructive and high-resolution characterization tool based on laser physics that can be applied to a wide range of materials science problems. It has proven to be an effective tool in studying phase transitions induced by variables such as temperature, pressure or electrochemical reactions. In-situ Raman spectroscopy can be used to track any microstructural changes of the electrode materials and interface reactions in alkali metal-ion batteries during charging and discharging. Carbon materials have become the most widely used anode materials for lithium-ion batteries because of their good electrochemical reversibility, excellent stability, low electrochemical charge/discharge potential platform, and low cost. The use of in-situ Raman spectroscopy in understanding the reactions occurring in alkali metal-ion batteries using carbon anode materials is summarized with a focus on the energy storage mechanism in Li+/Na+/K+ ion batteries using carbon materials such as graphite and hard carbon as the anode materials. The effects of size, stress, doping, and the solvation-assisted co-intercalation of Li+/Na+/K+ ions on the energy storage behavior in alkali metal-ion batteries are analyzed. Based on the strength and weakness of in-situ Raman spectroscopy, its combination with AFM, in situ XRD and other high-resolution in situ technologies is used to reveal the energy storage mechanisms.

Automated summary

Raman spectroscopy is a powerful tool for studying phase transitions induced by temperature, pressure, or electrochemical reactions, and for tracking microstructural changes in electrode materials during charging and discharging. It is widely used to understand the energy storage mechanisms in lithium-ion batteries with carbon anode materials.