In Situ/Operando Imaging Techniques for Next-Generation Battery Analysis

The usage of a secondary battery system as a medium for utilizing environmentally friendly renewable energy is experiencing rapid growth. However, as the demand for alternatives to commercial Li-ion batteries rises, the inability to deliver the expected performance levels has become a major obstacle to commercialization. As a valuable method capable of uncovering the hidden keys to battery systems, in situ/operando imaging techniques are expected to drive the advancement of post Li-ion battery systems. In this review, we focus on overall next-generation battery systems along with in situ/operando imaging analysis methods employed to interpret the real-time electrochemical phenomena. First, the limitations of the system transition from Li-ion batteries to next-generation batteries are explained. Following that, detailed issues occurring within each secondary battery system are provided, along with analysis techniques and corresponding cases tailored to each specific battery systems. Finally, the current state of in situ/operando imaging analysis and the proposed direction for the analysis advancement are discussed.