Key Takeaways & Executive Findings
- •• In-situ TEM techniques enable real-time, atomic-scale visualization of interfacial nanostructures in electrochemical energy storage systems, providing critical insights into ion transport and structural evolution. • Advanced imaging modalities such as electron holography and differential phase contrast imaging allow mapping of strain fields and ionic valence states, linking nanoscale phenomena to macroscopic battery performance. • The review highlights how in-situ TEM reveals dynamic processes at electrode/electrolyte interfaces, informing the design of high-performance batteries and other energy storage devices. • Future developments in in-situ TEM, including improved spatial and temporal resolution and integration with other characterization tools, are essential for addressing challenges in next-generation energy storage technologies.
Abstract
The ability to control the electrode interfaces in an electrochemical energy storage system is essential for achieving the desired electrochemical performance. However, achieving this ability requires an in-depth understanding of the detailed interfacial nanostructures of the electrode under electrochemical operating conditions. In-situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is one of the most powerful techniques for revealing electrochemical energy storage mechanisms with high spatiotemporal resolution and high sensitivity in complex electrochemical environments. These attributes play a unique role in understanding how ion transport inside electrode nanomaterials and across interfaces under the dynamic conditions within working batteries. This review aims to gain an in-depth insight into the latest developments of in-situ TEM imaging techniques for probing the interfacial nanostructures of electrochemical energy storage systems, including atomic-scale structural imaging, strain field imaging, electron holography, and integrated differential phase contrast imaging. Significant examples will be described to highlight the fundamental understanding of atomic-scale and nanoscale mechanisms from employing state-of-the-art imaging techniques to visualize structural evolution, ionic valence state changes, and strain mapping, ion transport dynamics. The review concludes by providing a perspective discussion of future directions of the development and application of in-situ TEM techniques in the field of electrochemical energy storage systems.
1. Introduction
The development of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), especially the rechargeable ones, has changed the world since the pioneering work by Nobel Laureates Whittingham, Goodenough, and Yoshino about half a century ago [1]. LIBs are today an essential part of our daily life, driving the development of various electrochemical energy storage systems for electrifying the world by shifting the global energy consumption away from fossil fuels and toward electricity produced from renewable sources [2–7]. Indeed, electrochemical energy storage is becoming part of the global drive seeking alternatives to fossil fuels, including various renewable and clean sources (solar energy, wind energy, biomass energy, etc.). The need of efficient conversion and storage for these energy sources constitutes a major driving force for innovations in energy conversion and storage systems, such as lithium-ion or metal-air batteries for solar energy storage and hydrogen production through electrolysis of water, fuel cells for converting hydrogen into electricity [8].
The water-splitting hydrogen production from renewable solar or wind sources and the fuel cell conversion of hydrogen to electricity has become a sustainable power package that address many of the challenges of energy and environmental sustainability [8–12]. Electrochemical energy storage devices or systems play a crucial role in the development of clean and sustainable energy in modern society. Applications of such devices span across aerospace, artificial intelligence, electric vehicles, and many other fields [13–18]. Among various electrochemical energy storage solutions, rechargeable secondary batteries such as Li/Na/K/Zn/Mg-ion batteries [19–27], metal-air batteries [28–31], and all-solid-state batteries [32], are widely adopted due to their efficient energy storage capabilities. Typically, the energy storage density depends on the structure of the electrode materials and their electrochemical properties. This dependence reflects the correlation of the dynamic evolution of the electrode/electrolyte interphase layer and the ionic/electronic transport behavior with the cycling stability and power density of the batteries. Under practical operating conditions, it is difficult to examine the reactions occurring within a sealed battery using conventional c
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Guisheng Liang, Chang Zhang, Liting Yang, Yihao Liu, Minmin Liu, Xuhui Xiong, Chendi Yang, Xiaowei Lv, Wenbin You, Ke Pei, Chuan-Jian Zhong, Han-Wen Cheng, Renchao Che (2025). Probing Interfacial Nanostructures of Electrochemical Energy Storage Systems by In-Situ Transmission Electron Microscopy. Nano-Micro Letters. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40820-025-01720-5
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is in-situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and how is it used in battery research?
In-situ TEM is an advanced imaging technique that allows real-time observation of materials at the nanoscale under operational conditions. In battery research, it is used to visualize dynamic processes such as ion transport, structural evolution, and interfacial changes in electrodes, providing critical insights into the mechanisms that govern battery performance.
What are the key advantages of using in-situ TEM for studying electrochemical energy storage systems?
In-situ TEM offers high spatial and temporal resolution, enabling direct observation of atomic-scale and nanoscale phenomena in complex electrochemical environments. It allows researchers to correlate structural and chemical changes with electrochemical performance, which is essential for designing better batteries and other energy storage devices.
What specific imaging techniques are highlighted in this review for probing interfacial nanostructures?
The review highlights several state-of-the-art in-situ TEM techniques, including atomic-scale structural imaging, strain field imaging, electron holography, and integrated differential phase contrast imaging. These methods enable visualization of structural evolution, ionic valence state changes, and strain mapping, as well as ion transport dynamics.
What are the future directions for in-situ TEM in electrochemical energy storage research?
Future developments aim to improve spatial and temporal resolution, enable multi-modal characterization, and integrate in-situ TEM with other techniques such as spectroscopy and electrochemical measurements. These advancements will help address challenges in next-generation energy storage systems, including solid-state batteries and metal-air batteries.
How does this review contribute to the field of electrochemical energy storage?
This review provides a comprehensive overview of the latest in-situ TEM techniques and their applications in probing interfacial nanostructures. By highlighting significant examples and discussing challenges and future directions, it serves as a valuable resource for researchers seeking to understand and optimize electrode materials and interfaces for improved energy storage performance.
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