A NEUTRON-DIFFRACTION CELL FOR STUDYING LITHIUM-INSERTION PROCESSES IN ELECTRODE MATERIALS

An electrochemical cell has been constructed for in situ neutron diffr action studies of lithium-insertion/extraction processes in electrode materials for Li-ion batteries. Its key components are a Pyrex tube, g old plated on its inside, which functions as a current collector, and a central lithium rod, which serves as the negative electrode. The dev ice is demonstrated here for a neutron diffraction study of lithium ex traction from LiMn2O4: a mechanical Celgard(C) separator soaked in the electrolyte surrounds the lithium electrode. The LiMn2O4 powder, mixe d with electrolyte, occupies the space between separator and current c ollector.