Chemical Physics Seminar: SENS and Sensitivity: Towards sensitive NMR detection of interfacial and bulk processes in rechargeable batteries

Abstract:

The development of new materials for rechargeable batteries with increased energy and power densities requires mechanistic insight into their function within a battery cell. Solid state NMR spectroscopy is potentially an excellent probe for these systems, providing quantitative, chemically resolved information on the electrochemical processes at the bulk of the electrode materials as well as reactions at the electrode-electrolyte interface. These reactions are extremely important in the development of viable battery cells as they are a major cause for performance degradation and ultimately cell failure.
In this talk I will describe how we use NMR to follow electrode (de)lithiation and the formation of the solid electrolyte interphase. I will also present first steps towards the implementation of NMR signal enhancement via Dynamic Nuclear Polarization (DNP). DNP can boost the sensitivity of NMR, equipping it with surface sensitivity (so called Surface Enhanced NMR Spectroscopy, SENS) and selectivity for probing surface and bulk processes in functional materials.