X-ray Beam Damage Effects in a Lithium-Ion Battery Probed by Spatially Resolved X-ray Diffraction

Abstract

The use of synchrotron radiation has become common for probing the structural changes in rechargeable batteries, particularly for operando analysis. Herein, we report the exposure of the electrode to high photon flux during an operando study shutting down electrochemical transformations in the irradiated area of an electrode and causing a gradient of lithiation around the operando beam position. We rationalize such beam damage through radiation induced ionization and, consequently, electrolyte decomposition.