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Direct Observation of a Li‐Ionic Space‐Charge Layer Formed at an Electrode/Solid‐Electrolyte Interface
Author(s) -
Nomura Yuki,
Yamamoto Kazuo,
Hirayama Tsukasa,
Ouchi Satoru,
Igaki Emiko,
Saitoh Koh
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
angewandte chemie
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1521-3757
pISSN - 0044-8249
DOI - 10.1002/ange.201814669
Subject(s) - electrolyte , ionic bonding , chemical physics , redistribution (election) , electrode , ion , electron holography , ionic conductivity , electrochemistry , materials science , space charge , analytical chemistry (journal) , chemistry , fast ion conductor , electron , nanotechnology , transmission electron microscopy , physics , organic chemistry , quantum mechanics , chromatography , politics , political science , law
When two different materials come into contact, mobile carriers redistribute at the interface according to their potential difference. Such a charge redistribution is also expected at the interface between electrodes and solid electrolytes. The redistributed ions significantly affect the ion conduction through the interface. Thus, it is essential to determine the actual distribution of the ionic carriers and their potential to improve ion conduction. We succeeded in visualizing the ionic and potential profiles in the charge redistribution layer, or space‐charge layer (SCL), formed at the interface between a Cu electrode and Li‐conductive solid electrolyte using phase‐shifting electron holography and spatially resolved electron energy‐loss spectroscopy. These electron microscopy techniques clearly showed the Li‐ionic SCL, which dropped by 1.3 V within a distance of 10 nm from the interface. These techniques could contribute to the development of next‐generation electrochemical devices.