Small angle scattering to unpick the multi-scale porosity in the carbon-binder of lithium-ion battery electrodes

The microstructure of lithium-ion battery (LIB) electrodes is a key to determination of the performance of the battery. However, the conductive composite made up of binder and carbon particles known as the carbon binder (CB), which hold the active material (AM) together and conducts electrons to AM sites, is itself structured on the nanoscale. Several studies have highlighted the importance of the nano-porosity of the carbon-binder composite, but it has never been satisfactorily quantified. SANS provides appropriate resolution to probe the morphology of morphology and porosity of the CB whilst SESANS is appropriate to probe AM particle size and micron scale pores. We propose combining both techniques to provide structural information across the complete size scale, delivering both new and complementary insight to LIB electrode microstructure.