Understanding Electrochemical Degradation via Liquid Phase Transmission Electron Microscopy

Electrochemical energy technologies will play a critical role in the worldwide transition to renewable energy. The fundamental electrochemical transformations that drive these technologies rely on materials that facilitate electron transfer at complex material interfaces. Contemporary findings indicate that these materials undergo structural and chemical changes under operation, leading to device degradation and failure. Material restructuring is easily occluded in bulk-scale analyses, motivating atomistic studies to advance the field. Electrochemical liquid phase transmission electron microscopy (LP-TEM) is a pivotal technique that is capable of acquiring high resolution image series under applied bias. In this perspective, we highlight recent advances in the field of in situ LP-TEM, including innovative cell designs and the application of LP-TEM techniques to study the degradation of a variety of electrochemical materials. Finally, we summarize the current state of in situ LP-TEM techniques and highlight some technological challenges and opportunities for future research.