In-situ high-throughput nanoelectrochemistry for battery characterization

A comprehensive understanding of dynamic structure–activity relationships in materials under operating conditions is essential for improving the efficiency, performance, and lifespan of rechargeable battery systems. Traditional characterization techniques struggle to capture real-time processes within the battery “black box.” The emergence of nanoelectrochemistry provides diverse in-situ and high-throughput toolkits for probing material dynamics at the electrode–electrolyte nanointerface. This review highlights two representative techniques, collision electrochemistry and scanning electrochemical cell microscopy, and demonstrates their ability to monitor transient mass transport and charge transfer kinetics in battery materials and interfaces at nanodomains with sub-millisecond resolution. Additionally, it explores the potential of high-resolution optical imaging to achieve nanoscale visualization of structural spatiodynamics at the single particle–electrolyte interface during charge/discharge over multiple time scales, ranging from milliseconds to hours. Finally, future advancements are envisioned to enable accelerated mechanistic insights, rational material design, and automated discovery of next-generation battery materials. • Nanoelectrochemistry enables real-time probing of battery material dynamics at electrode-electrolyte nanointerfaces. • Collision electrochemistry and SECCM reveal transient mass transport and charge transfer kinetics with sub-millisecond resolution. • High-resolution optical imaging captures nanoscale structural evolution at the single-particle level. • Integration of nanoelectrochemistry, optical spectroscopy, and data science accelerates insights and next-generation battery material discovery.