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Using the SECM150 to Measure an NMC Battery Electrode – Scanning Probes. Application Note 21

Latest updated: May 6, 2020

Abstract

Scanning ElectroChemical Microscopy (SECM) is becoming an increasingly popular technique for the investigation of battery electrodes. The applicability of SECM for the analysis of battery inhomogeneity is demonstrated using the SECM150 to measure a Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide (NMC) battery cathode. This direct measurement of the electrochemical activity of NMC shows inhomogeneity from the NMC agglomerates, and additives used.

Introduction

Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy (SECM) allows the electrochemical nature of a sample, and the electrochemical processes occurring at a sample to be investigated. Over the last few years SECM has seen increasing popularity as a technique to investigate battery electrodes and battery materials. SECM has been used in battery research to investigate the Solid Electrolyte Interface (SEI) [1], Li intercalation [2], surface dissociation of species [3], solid electrolytes [4] and diffusion through porous electrodes [5]. In this note the SECM150, Bio-Logic’s compact, value-oriented SECM, is used to demonstrate the applicability of SECM for the analysis of battery electrode inhomogeneity. This is shown by measuring a Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt oxide (NMC) battery cathode material provided by Dr Fu Ming Wang, NTUST, Taiwan. Further applications of the Scan-Lab SECMs in the investigation of battery materials can be found in AN#7 [6], AN#10 [7], and AN#20 [8]…

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