In-Situ Characterization of Energy Materials with Coherent X-Ray Diffraction

Abstract

Synchrotron-based coherent X-ray techniques provide powerful, non-invasive tools for in-situ characterization of energy materials under Operando conditions. With the recent upgrade of the Advanced Photon Source (APS), the coherent X-ray flux has increased by two orders of magnitude, significantly enhancing the capabilities of techniques such as Bragg Coherent Diffraction Imaging (BCDI) and Coherent Multi-crystal Diffraction (CMCD). BCDI enables three-dimensional imaging of the morphology, lattice structure, and internal strain in individual crystalline particles, offering deep insight into degradation mechanisms and performance-limiting processes in battery materials. Complementing this, CMCD captures both statistical trends and individual grain behaviors within polycrystalline ensembles, bridging the gap between conventional powder diffraction and single-grain imaging. This presentation will showcase recent applications of BCDI and CMCD to energy materials, including studies of strain evolution, structural degradation, and heterogeneity during electrochemical cycling. Future directions and anticipated capabilities enabled by the upgraded APS will also be discussed, highlighting the potential of coherent diffraction methods to support next-generation battery development and in-line quality control strategies.