Material characterization of Lithium-ion battery cells by scanning electron microscopy & X-ray diffraction techniques

Abstract

Lithium-ion batteries with high energy density are considered as one of the prime energy source while considering electric mobility application. This paper investigates three types of lithium ion cell conditions which are new, operational and damaged cells. Morphology and composition analysis of cathode, anode and separator of each cell is studied by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) Technique. Phase identification of anode and cathode of each cell is also studied by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) technique. It is observed that grain size and structure changes with each of the three types and different phases are observed at cathode and anode of each battery. Characterization of cell by SEM and XRD techniques are found to be effective for detailed material study of various cells.