Visualization of the Additive Layer in Vicinity of Negative Electrode in Electrolyte Using SPM-8100FM and Electrochemical Solution Cell in Secondary Batteries

Introduction

The charging and discharging characteristics, durability, and other performance of secondary batteries, represented by lead acid batteries and lithium ion batteries, have been enhanced by addition of additives to the electrolyte. To date, however, how those additives contribute to improvement of battery performance still has not been clarified. Observation of the interface state in the vicinity of the negative electrode in the electrolyte is important for elucidating the contribution of the additive. This paper reports the first successful visualization of the lignin-lead (Pb) layer by cross-sectional imaging of the vicinity of the negative electrode (Pb) in a lead acid battery by using an SPM-8100FM high-resolution scanning probe microscope and an electrochemical solution cell. Use of the frequency modulation (FM) method in the SPM-8100FM enables detection of smaller force than is possible by conventional atomic force microscopy (AFM).

September 20, 2019 GMT