In-operando transmission electron microscopy characterisation and solid-state Na-ion batteries.

Abstract

The ability to image in-situ nanoscale effects in the transmission electron microscope (TEM) has been enabled through the rapid development of new TEM holders; increased detector sensitivity and the ability to process large amounts of data. Specifically, for battery research new instrumentation developments allow us to obtain unique morphological and structural material information during electrochemical processes. Our group has been working with Norcada and Hitachi to develop an in-operando liquid electrochemical TEM holder that is compatible with the Hitachi TEM at UQ. I will present current progress and future directions on this work. 

In a more application focussed component of this seminar I will introduce our research on developing durable solid-state Na-ion batteries. The low ionic conductivity and poor interface stability of solid-state batteries currently limits commercialisation. In this seminar I will present work on co-doping a sodium superionic conductor (NASICON) structure to improve Na ion conductivity. Furthermore, I present work on compositing this porous NASICON structure to produce stable interfaces in the solid-state Na-ion battery.