Application of Synchrotron Radiation Technologies to Electrode Materials for Li- and Na-Ion Batteries

The search for superior-energy-density electrode materials for rechargeable batteries is prompted by the continuously growing demand for new electric vehicles and large energy-storage grids. The structural properties of electrode materials affect their electrochemical performance because their functionality is correlated to their structure at the atomic scale. Although challenging, a deeper and comprehensive understanding of the basic structural operating units of electrode materials may contribute to the advancement of new energy-storage technologies and many other technologies. Therefore, we must strategically control both the structure and kinetics of electrode materials to achieve optimal electrochemical performance. In this contribution, advancements in synchrotron radiation techniques, specifically in situ/operando experiments on electrode materials for rechargeable batteries, are presented and discussed. Indeed, the latest synchrotron radiation methods offer deeper insights into pristine and chemically modified electrode materials, opening new opportunities to optimize these materials and exploit new technologies. In particular, the most recent results from in situ/operando synchrotron radiation measurements, which play a critical role in the fundamental understanding of the kinetics processes that occur in rechargeable batteries, are discussed.