In Situ TEM Studies of Tunnel‐Structured Materials for Alkali Metal‐Ion Batteries

• Published in: Advanced science Vol. 12; no. 19; pp. e2500513 - n/a
• Main Authors: Dai, Shuge, Yang, Chenke, Wang, Ye, Jiang, Yunrui, Zeng, Longhui
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Germany John Wiley & Sons, Inc 01.05.2025; John Wiley and Sons Inc; Wiley
• Subjects: alkali‐ion batteries; Batteries; Design; Efficiency; Electric vehicles; Electrodes; Electrolytes; Electrons; Energy storage; in situ transmission electron microscopy; Lithium; Microscopy; Nanomaterials; NMR; Nuclear magnetic resonance; Phase transitions; reaction mechanism; Review; tunnel structure; Visualization; alkali‐ion batteries; reaction mechanism; in situ transmission electron microscopy; tunnel structure
• ISSN: 2198-3844; 2198-3844
• DOI: 10.1002/advs.202500513

Tunnel‐structured materials have garnered significant attention as promising candidates for high‐performance rechargeable batteries, owing to their unique structural characteristics that facilitate efficient ionic transport. However, understanding the dynamic processes of ionic transport within these tunnels is crucial for their further development and performance optimization. Analytical in situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) has demonstrated its effectiveness as a powerful tool for visualizing the complex ionic transport processes in real time. In this review, we summarize the state‐of‐the‐art in situ tracking of ionic transport processes in tunnel‐structured materials for alkali metal‐ion batteries (AMIBs) by TEM observation at the atomic scale, elucidating the fundamental issues pertaining to phase transformations, structural evolution, interfacial reactions and degradation mechanisms. This review covers a wide range of electrode and electrolyte materials used in AMIBs, highlighting the versatility and general applicability of in situ TEM as a powerful tool for elucidating the fundamental mechanisms underlying the performance of AMIBs. Furthermore, this work critically discusses current challenges and future research directions, offering perspectives on the development of next‐generation battery materials through advanced in situ characterization techniques. This review comprehensively investigates the latest advancements and key insights derived from in situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies of tunnel‐structured materials in alkali metal‐ion batteries. By elucidating fundamental issues such as phase transformations, structural evolution, interfacial reactions, and degradation mechanisms, this work highlights the critical role of in situ TEM in advancing the understanding of these materials. Additionally, it highlights current challenges and future opportunities, providing valuable perspectives for the development of next‐generation battery technologies.