Radiation Effects in Battery Materials

Janelle P. Wharry, Hui (Claire) Xiong, Tristan Olsen, Chao Yang

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

Abstract

The objective of this chapter is to review recent research on irradiation effects in battery materials and systems. The growing global demand for energy storage systems with increased energy and power density, longer service life, and enhanced tolerance to extreme environments, has driven considerable research and industrial interest in metal-ion batteries. Battery performance is dependent upon the electrochemical properties of the electrode materials. Recent work has suggested that introducing defects or disorder in these materials may enhance battery performance. Conventionally, defects have been introduced through doping. But irradiation is an alternative means of creating defects that could have profound implications on battery performance. This chapter examines the effects of neutron, ion, electron, gamma, and microwave irradiation on the microstructure and performance of battery materials. When these irradiating particles interact with a crystalline material, collisions with lattice atoms may generate atomic displacements, point defect clusters, extended defects (e.g., dislocation loops), lattice disorder, and phase transformations. Ion irradiation enhances some aspects of anode performance through irradiation-induced defect clustering, crystallization, and reduced defect concentrations, all of which promote metal-ion intercalation. But by contrast, ion irradiation deteriorates cathode performance. Likewise, neutron and gamma irradiation generally degrade battery performance through various microstructural and electronic effects. Finally, electron irradiation produces phase transformations and cation disorder that are anticipated to promote metal-ion intercalation. In sum, irradiation effects on batteries are highly dependent on irradiation conditions and the anode and cathode materials. There is tremendous potential for future systematic and mechanistic studies that could enable irradiation tailoring of specific features of battery performance.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationEncyclopedia of Energy Storage
Subtitle of host publicationVolume 1-4
PublisherElsevier
Pages243-255
Number of pages13
Volume1-4
ISBN (Electronic)9780128197233
ISBN (Print)9780128197301
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2022
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Defects
  • Disorder
  • Gamma irradiation
  • Ion irradiation
  • Irradiation
  • Metal-ion battery
  • Neutron irradiation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Energy

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