Applications of in-situ and ex-situ spectroscopic techniques for the study of electrode materials with relevance to energy generation and energy storage

The demand for high energy density battery systems is expected to grow markedly during the next decade due to the advent of new generation of powerful, light-weight portable computers, cellular telephones, and power tools. The prospects of acquiring a larger share of an expanding and indeed highly competitive market have prompted battery producers to search for means of improving the overall performance of rechargeable battery systems, including the possible replacement of conventional electrodes with promising novel materials. In addition to economic considerations, there exists a pressing need to reduce or eliminate the use of toxic metals, which can contaminate the soil and water supplies and jeopardize human welfare, and thus comply with stringent constraints imposed by environmental regulatory agencies. The risks associated with this latter problem could be greatly alleviated by establishing programs, such as those in effect in some countries in western Europe, to control the indiscriminate disposal of batteries into refuse processing facilities and landfills. However, no such policy has, as yet, been instituted in the US