Visualization of inhomogeneous current distribution on ZrO2-coated LiCoO2 thin-film electrodes using scanning electrochemical cell microscopy

Cathode surface coating with metal-oxide thin layers has been intensively studied to improve the cycle durability of lithium-ion batteries. A comprehensive understanding of the metal-oxide morphology and the local electrochemical properties is essential for figuring out the metal-oxide coating effect. In this study, scanning electrochemical cell microscopy (SECCM) is used to analyze the surface morphology with high spatial resolution, together with the local electrochemical properties.