In the field of lithium-ion battery research and development, understanding the dynamic changes in the microstructure of electrode materials during charge and discharge processes is crucial. Traditional offline detection methods cannot capture these changes in real time, while the emergence of in situ characterization techniques provides researchers with a powerful tool. Leveraging its expertise in X-ray diffraction (XRD) technology, Dandong Tongda Technology Co., Ltd. has developed an in situ battery accessory for battery research, offering an efficient window to explore the reaction processes inside the "black box" of batteries.

Technical Principle: Dynamically Monitoring Microscale Changes in Battery Materials

The core design goal of Dandong Tongda's originally battery accessory is to enable real-time monitoring of the evolution of the crystal structure of electrode materials using X-ray diffraction (XRD) technology while the battery is operating normally (during charge and discharge).

This accessory typically needs to work in synergy with an electrochemical testing system (such as the LAND battery test system) and an X-ray diffractometer (such as Tongda Tech's TD-3500 model). It forms a specialized battery chamber that allows X-rays to penetrate and probe the electrode materials of the battery during operation. The key lies in the design of window materials (such as beryllium windows) with extremely low X-ray absorption rates on the battery components, ensuring effective incidence and emission of X-rays. Simultaneously, the accessory integrates necessary electrodes, insulation, and sealing components to ensure normal electrochemical reactions and maintain excellent sealing during testing.

Key Functions and Application Value

The value of this in situ battery accessory lies in its ability to help researchers intuitively and dynamically observe a series of microscopic changes in electrode materials during battery charge and discharge processes:

• Real-Time Observation of Phase Transition Processes: Many electrode materials undergo phase transitions during lithium-ion intercalation and deintercalation. In situ XRD can capture the formation, disappearance, and transformation of these phases in real time, which is critical for understanding the battery's reaction mechanisms.

• Monitoring Lattice Parameter Changes: By precisely tracking the shifts in XRD diffraction peaks, subtle changes in lattice parameters can be calculated, reflecting the expansion and contraction of the lattice. This is closely related to battery performance metrics such as voltage platforms and cycle life.

• Unveiling Capacity Decay Mechanisms: Capacity decay during battery cycling is often related to structural degradation of electrode materials, side reactions, and other factors. In situ monitoring can correlate electrochemical performance degradation with structural changes, providing direct insights for improving battery materials and optimizing design.

• Accelerating New Material Development: For evaluating novel electrode materials, in situ XRD technology can quickly provide key information on structural stability and reaction pathways, speeding up the R&D process.