Li/S accumulators : Electrochemical mechanism investigation using operando analysis by absorption and X-Ray diffraction tomography

The main objective was to identify the degradations phenomena and the limiting processes occurring while cycling Li/S accumulators to therefore put in relation the electrode morphology, the cell design, the electrochemical performances and the degradations phenomena. A new design of operando cell has been developed to be suitable with ESRF experiments. Operando Absorption and X-ray Diffraction tomography technics were performed. Thanks to both technics, the morphological changes and transport limitation kinetics along the 3D positive electrode have been evidenced. In addition, the lithium electrode/electrolyte interface has been characterized and heterogeneous stripping/plating has been evidenced, leading to low electrochemical performances while cycling.