Characterization of Processes Occurring at Various Interfaces By Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy (SECM)

Scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) is an in-situ probe technique that can directly monitor the electrochemical processes occurring at different interfaces. SECM has been proven as a powerful characterization tool with a wide variety of applications in redox processes, near-surface reactions, reaction kinetics, and electrochemical imaging. In this work, we focused on the use of SECM measurement methods to detect electrochemically active materials formed at the cathode electrolyte interface (CEI) and study the cathode degradation process of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). We demonstrated the direct electron transfer between the cathode and the electrolyte, and the evolution of reactive species released during CEI formation by applying the SECM generation/collection mode. Our work highlights the application of SECM in characterizing cathode–electrolyte interphase of LIBs, providing a deeper fundamental understanding of LIB degradation mechanisms and new perspectives for future rational design of stable cathode-electrolyte interfaces for LIBs.