| Abstract Scope |
The power density of rechargeable ion batteries is one of the key limiting factors for their applications in large-scale and energy-intensive applications, which is closely correlated to the kinetics of the ionic conduction and electrochemical reaction of the electrode materials. Recent advancement of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) has enabled unprecedented capabilities to allow in situ visualization of the spatiotemporal evolution of nanoscale structural and chemical pathways. Here, we use various in situ TEM techniques to show how to leverage the structure, energetics, and strain engineering to facilitate alkali-ion reaction kinetics and improve the microstructural stability upon prolonged cycles. Through the combination of in situ TEM characterizations, electrochemical measurements, first-principles calculations, and electrochemo-mechanical modeling, we have uncovered the mechanistic understanding of the structure-kinetics relationship that may be further leveraged as design principles for next-generation lithium-ion and beyond-lithium energy storage technologies. |