After a brief introduction of the TEESMAT project framework, the webinar will focus on the Raman spectroscopy characterization technique available at the Centre and Research Technology Hellas, which can be applied for energy related material analysis.
Raman Spectroscopy (T16) can be used as complementary tool for material analysis at the Solid Electrolyte Interface and Cathode Electrolyte Interface at the microstructural level. The technique can provide ex situ/post mortem as well as operando analysis capability. The comparison of fresh and aged energy storage structure analysis provides insight into the ageing mechanisms during cycling; on the one hand on chemical composition level by alteration of the molecular bonds and on the other hand on the microstructure of the electrodes by mapping analysis through chemical images based on the active and conductive material interfaces.
An overview of the technique along with a theoretical explanation of its ground principle will be given by an expert. This will be discussed with respect to applications as well as practical limitations through battery case study presentations.
Raman spectroscopy characterization technique
Raman spectroscopy is a non-destructive optical technique that can provide chemical and structural information of many materials. Within the TEESMAT project it is employed for the characterization of battery electrode materials (e.g. carbonaceous matter, metal oxides, polymers, etc). The technique follows the interaction of monochromatic light (a laser beam) with a sample providing a spectrum characteristic of the specific vibrations of the molecules that are present in the sample. Coupled to a confocal microscope, high spatial resolution and high sensitivity can be achieved, allowing the study of phase changes and identification of intermediate species in reactions during in-situ and operando measurements.
In addition, Raman mapping and imaging enables the study of the distribution of materials e.g. on electrode surfaces, or across cross-sections, providing valuable information on the phases involved in charge/discharge cycles and their spatial distribution at the microscale. The resulting data can be quantified, by various metrics such as fraction estimates and domain size (e.g. particle) statistics to understand battery behaviour and develop ways to improve its efficiency.
The speakers
Dr Georgia Kastrinaki is a Physicist with a PhD in Mech. Engineering and a MSc in Material Science. She is an Affiliate Researcher at CERTH, with 15 year experience in material synthesis and characterization for energy, environmental and toxicological applications. She has been involved in the synthesis and evaluation of next generation Li-ion materials for electric vehicle application and is familiar with a variety of tools for on-line ex-situ material characterization. She has participated in more than 10 EU and national research projects related to green mobility and energy production and is the author of more than 25 publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals.