1. Structural and chemical analysis of hard carbon negative electrode for Na-ion battery with X-ray Raman scattering and solid-state NMR spectroscopyAva Rajh, Matej Gabrijelčič, Blaž Tratnik, Klemen Bučar, Iztok Arčon, Marko Petric, Robert Dominko, Alen Vižintin, Matjaž Kavčič, original scientific article Abstract: This study explores the structural changes of hard carbon (HC) negative electrodes in sodium-ion batteries induced by insertion of Na ions during sodiation. X-ray Raman spectroscopy (XRS) was used to record both C and Na K-edge absorption spectra from bulk HC anodes carbonized at different temperatures and at several points during sodiation and desodiation. Comparing the [pi]*/[sigma]*
regions in the C K-edge spectra sp2/sp3 hybridization ratio of material was determined. Higher carbonization temperatures led to increased order in graphitic structure and shorter bond lengths. Sodiation caused a decrease in graphitic layer order due to inserted Na ions. Complementary operando solid state 23Na nuclear magnetic resonance (ssNMR) studies confirmed the structural changes, while showing pore filling mechanism, which is not observed in ex situ measurements, primarily at higher carbonization temperatures. XRS analysis of Na K-edge spectra revealed systematic variations in the solid electrolyte interface (SEI) composition during cycling. Changes in XRS spectra were attributed to both SEI composition alterations, accompanied by the insertion/adsorption of Na ions at defect sites within the carbon structure. Keywords: hard carbon, RIXS, carbon XANES, EXAFS, NMR, Na battery Published in RUNG: 10.09.2024; Views: 759; Downloads: 1 Full text (7,76 MB) This document has many files! More... |
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3. Characterization of electrochemical processes in metal-organic batteries by X-ray Raman spectroscopyAva Rajh, Iztok Arčon, Klemen Bučar, Matjaž Žitnik, Marko Petric, Alen Vižintin, Jan Bitenc, Urban Košir, Robert Dominko, Hlynur Gretarsson, Martin Sundermann, Matjaž Kavčič, 2022, original scientific article Abstract: X-ray Raman spectroscopy (XRS) is an emerging
spectroscopic technique that utilizes inelastic scattering of hard Xrays
to study X-ray absorption edges of low Z elements in bulk
material. It was used to identify and quantify the amount of
carbonyl bonds in a cathode sample, in order to track the redox
reaction inside metal−organic batteries during the charge/
discharge cycle. XRS was used to record the oxygen K-edge
absorption spectra of organic polymer cathodes from different
multivalent metal−organic batteries. The amount of carbonyl bond
in each sample was determined by modeling the oxygen K-edge
XRS spectra with the linear combination of two reference compounds that mimicked the fully charged and the fully discharged
phases of the battery. To interpret experimental XRS spectra, theoretical calculations of oxygen K-edge absorption spectra based on
density functional theory were performed. Overall, a good agreement between the amount of carbonyl bond present during different
stages of battery cycle, calculated from linear combination of standards, and the amount obtained from electrochemical
characterization based on measured capacity was achieved. The electrochemical mechanism in all studied batteries was confirmed to
be a reduction of double carbonyl bond and the intermediate anion was identified with the help of theoretical calculations. X-ray
Raman spectroscopy of the oxygen K-edge was shown to be a viable characterization technique for accurate tracking of the redox
reaction inside metal−organic batteries. Keywords: X-ray Raman spectroscopy, meta-organic batteries, oxygen K-edge XANES, electrochemical processes Published in RUNG: 24.03.2022; Views: 2453; Downloads: 21 Link to full text This document has many files! More... |
4. Spectroscopic insights into the electrochemical mechanism of rechargeable calcium/sulfur batteriesAntonio Scafuri, Romain Berthelot, Klemen Pirnat, Alen Vižintin, Jan Bitenc, Giuliana Aquilanti, Dominique Foix, Rémi Dedryvère, Iztok Arčon, Robert Dominko, Lorenzo Stievano, 2020, original scientific article Abstract: Calcium batteries represent a promising alternative to lithium metal systems. The combination of the low redox potential and low cost and the energy-dense calcium anode (2073 mAh/cm3, similar to 2044 mAh/cm3 for Li) with appropriate low-cost cathode materials such as sulfur could produce a game-changing technology in several fields of applications. In this work, we present the reversible activity of a proof-of-concept Ca/S battery at room temperature, characterized by a surprising medium-term cycling stability with low polarization, promoted by the use of a simple positive electrode made of sulfur supported on an activated carbon cloth scaffold, and a state-of-the-art fluorinated alkoxyborate-based electrolyte. Insights into the electrochemical mechanism governing the chemistry of the Ca/S system were obtained for the first time by combining X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and X-ray absorption spectroscopy. The mechanism implies the formation of different types of soluble polysulfide species during both charge and discharge at room temperature, and the formation of solid CaS at the end of discharge. The reversible electrochemical activity is proven by the reformation of elemental sulfur at the end of the following charge. These promising results open the way to the comprehension of emerging Ca/S systems, which may represent a valid alternative to Mg/S and Li/S batteries. Keywords: Calcium/Sulfur Batteries
EXAFS, XANES Published in RUNG: 17.10.2020; Views: 3720; Downloads: 0 This document has many files! More... |
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6. Ceramic synthesis of disordered lithium rich oxyfluoride materialsJean-Marcel Ateba Mba, Iztok Arčon, Gregor Mali, Elena Tchernychova, Ralf Witte, Robert Kruk, Miran Gaberšček, Robert Dominko, 2020, original scientific article Abstract: Disordered lithium-rich transition metal oxyfluorides with a general formula Li1þxMO2Fx (M being a transition
metal) are gaining more attention due to their high specific capacity which can be delivered from the facecentered
cubic (fcc) structure. The most common synthesis procedure involves use of mechanosynthesis. In
this work, ceramic synthesis of lithium rich iron oxyfluoride and lithium rich titanium oxyfluoride are reported.
Two ceramic synthesis routes are developed each leading to the different level of doping with Li and F and
different levels of cationic disorder in the structure. Three different Li1þxMO2Fx samples (x ¼ 0.25, 0.3 and 1) are
compared with a sample prepared by mechanochemical synthesis and non-doped LiFeO2 with fcc structure. The
obtained lithium rich iron oxyfluoride are characterized by use of M€ossbauer spectroscopy, X-ray absorption
spectroscopy, NMR and TEM. Successful incorporation of Li and F have been confirmed and specific capacity that
can be obtained from the samples is in the correlation with the level of disorder introduced with doping,
nevertheless oxidation state of iron in all samples is very similar. Conclusions obtained from lithium rich iron
oxyfluoride are validated by lithium rich titanium oxyfluoride. Keywords: Lithium batteries
Face centered-cubic
Oxyfluoride
Li-rich
Disorder Published in RUNG: 05.06.2020; Views: 5226; Downloads: 0 This document has many files! More... |
7. Effects of a Mixed O/F Ligand in the Tavorite-Type LiVPO4O StructureSorour Semsari Parapari, Jean-Marcel Ateba Mba, Elena Tchernychova, Gregor Mali, Iztok Arčon, Gregor Kapun, Mehmet Ali Gülgün, Robert Dominko, 2020, original scientific article Abstract: We report the synthesis and detailed structural
and chemical characterization including electrochemical
properties of a lithium vanadium oxy/fluoro-phosphate
material. To the best of our knowledge, we have for the first
time synthesized a LiVPO4O-type phase with a mixed O/F
ligand. In the synthesis procedure, the LiVPO4O precursor
compound was fluorinated via LiF incorporation, with
preservation of the LiVPO4O framework structure. The
operating potential of the synthesized material is increased
compared to that of the LiVPO4O precursor (4.12 V vs 3.95 V
versus metallic lithium, respectively). The related increase in
operating potential was assigned to the effect of the
intermixing O/F ligand, which is attained via the successful
fluorine incorporation into the LiVPO4O structure. A characterization of the investigated materials was performed using
microscale-covering XRD, XANES, and NMR techniques as well as nanoscale spatially resolved imaging and analytical STEM
techniques. The obtained oxy/fluoro-phosphate phase is isostructural to LiVPO4O; however, the presence of the mixed O/F
ligand promoted a higher symmetry of vanadium octahedra. These variations of the vanadium local environment along with the
observed inhomogeneous distribution of the incorporated fluorine gave rise to the minor local deviations in vanadium valence.
Our results clearly emphasize the connection among the fluorine ligand incorporation, its local distribution, and the
electrochemical properties of the material. Keywords: LiVPO4O, XRD, SEM, V XANES, Tavorite-Type, electrochemical properties Published in RUNG: 17.02.2020; Views: 3742; Downloads: 0 This document has many files! More... |
8. Role of Cu current collector on electrochemical mechanism of Mg–S batteryAna Robba, Maja Mežnar, Alen Vižintin, Jan Bitenc, Jernej Bobnar, Iztok Arčon, Anna Randon-Vitanova, Robert Dominko, 2020, original scientific article Abstract: Development of magnesium sulfur battery is accompanied with all known difficulties present in Li–S batteries,
however with even more limited choice of electrolytes. In the present work, the influence of current collector on
electrochemical mechanism was investigated in light of different reports where improved behavior was ascribed
to electrolyte. Notable differences in cycling behavior are reported when Al current collector is replaced by Cu
current collector independent of electrolyte. The initial reduction of sulfur follows similar reaction path no mater
of current collector, but formation of MgS can be in competition with formation of CuS in the presence of Cu
cations. With the subsequent cycling cells prepared from cathodes deposited on Cu current collector show
decrease in the voltage and formation of single plateau during cycling. The change corresponds to the
involvement of Cu into the reaction and formation of redox couple Mg/CuS as determined by Cu K-edge XANES
measurements. Corrosion of Cu foil is identified by SEM and serves as a source of Cu cations for the chemical
reaction between Cu and polysulfides. Mg/CuS redox couple shows improved cycling stability, but theoretical
energy density is severely reduced due to substitution of S with CuS as cathode active material. Keywords: Magnesium
Sulfur
Rechargeable batteries
Current collector
Copper
Corrosion Published in RUNG: 16.01.2020; Views: 3738; Downloads: 0 This document has many files! More... |
9. Sulfur based batteries studied by in-operando S K-edge RIXS and XAS spectroscopyMatjaž Kavčič, Ana Robba, Janez Bitenc, Alen Vižintin, Iztok Arčon, Matjaž Žitnik, Klemen Bučar, Robert Dominko, 2018, published scientific conference contribution abstract Abstract: Sulfur based batteries are considered as very attractive energy storage devices. Sulfur is one of the most abundant elements in the earth, it is electrochemically active material which can accept up to two electrons per atom. In combination with alkali metals, sulfur forms electrochemical couples with much higher theoretical energy density compared to Li-ion batteries commonly available today. At the moment, the electrochemical couple with Li is most extensively studied. While the main principle of operation is known the relevant operation mechanism(s) is not completely clear. Even more promising is the electrochemical couple with Mg providing almost twofold higher volumetric energy density due to its ability to provide two electrons during oxidation. However, Mg-S batteries are still in the very early stage of research and development and the complex mechanism of sulfur conversion has been less extensively studied.
In order to improve the understanding of sulfur electrochemical conversion and its interactions within electrode, we need to apply new experimental approaches capable to provide precise information about local environment of S in the cathode during battery operation. In our work, resonant inelastic X-ray scattering (RIXS) and XAS measurements at the sulfur K-edge performed in operando mode were used to study the lithium-polysulfide formation during the discharge process. Measurements were performed at ID26 beamline of the ESRF synchrotron using tender X-ray emission spectrometer [1]. Resonant excitation condition enhanced the sensitivity for the lithium−polysulfide detection. On the other hand, the sulfate signal from the electrolyte was heavily suppressed and the self-absorption effects minimized due to fixed excitation energy.
This experimental methodology was used to provide quantitative analysis of sulfur compounds in the cathode of a Li−S battery cell during the discharge process [2]. The high-voltage plateau in the discharge curve was characterized by a rapid conversion of solid sulfur into liquid phase Li polysulfides reaching its maximum at the end of this plateau. At this point the starting point for the precipitation of the Li2S from the liquid polysulfide phase was observed. The same approach has been used also for the Mg-S battery revealing similar mechanism as in case of Li-S battery [3]. The electrochemical conversion of sulfur with magnesium proceeds through two well-defined plateaus, which correspond to the equilibrium between sulfur and Mg polysulfides (high-voltage plateau) and polysulfides and MgS (low-voltage plateau). Keywords: Mg-Sulphur batteries, XANES, RIXS Published in RUNG: 13.09.2018; Views: 5974; Downloads: 0 This document has many files! More... |
10. Fluorinated ether based electrolyte for high-energy lithium-sulfur batteries : Li [sup] + solvation role behind reduced polysulfide solubilitySara Drvarič Talian, Steffen Jeschke, Alen Vižintin, Klemen Pirnat, Iztok Arčon, Giuliana Aquilanti, Patrik Johansson, Robert Dominko, 2018, published scientific conference contribution abstract Keywords: Li-žveplive baterije, XANES, polisulfidi Published in RUNG: 12.09.2018; Views: 4073; Downloads: 0 This document has many files! More... |