| Abstract Scope |
Li-ion batteries are widely used for powering electronics, electric vehicles, and medical devices. To enhance performance, studying the battery’s microstructure is crucial. However, lithium is highly reactive, rapidly oxidizing when exposed to air, leading to the formation of unwanted oxide layers. This oxidation changes the surface of the material, making it difficult to analyze the true characteristics of the lithium sample.To solve this problem, the Air-Free Shuttle was designed to transfer samples from the glovebox to the SEM for analysis. This prevents lithium from oxidizing, preserving the pristine surfaces. The Air-Free Shuttle can effectively protect the sample for 24 hours — a duration long enough to, for instance, fly from New York to Los Angeles and still have ample time to send the sample to a characterization laboratory for analysis.The Air-Free Shuttle offers a robust, maintenance-free, and cost-effective solution for studying the microstructure of Li-ion batterie materials. |