Publication date: 10th April 2024
Li-ion batteries contain an ensemble of micron-sized redox-active particles. Understanding lithium reaction and transport rates in individual battery particles are essential for resolving the fundamental lithium insertion process and for accurate modelling and design of battery devices. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to probe the behavior in individual battery particles using electrochemical measurements conducted on porous electrodes. In this presentation, we use the microelectrode array to enable the electrochemical charge and discharge of individual NMC battery particles. By characterizing a statistically significant number of particles, we show that the smaller particles are no faster than the larger particles [1]. This result is in stark contradiction to conventional battery transport models, and is a result of electrolyte penetration into the polycrystalline secondary particles which were previously not considered in these models. We further show that single-crystal particles have slow reaction and diffusion times even in single particles, a result of the absence of cracks. These results highlight promises for microelectrodes to uncover previously hidden transport mechanisms in energy storage materials.