Local structure of layered oxide electrode materials for lithium-ion batteries.

Li-ion batteries are promising candidates for electrical energy storage in applications ranging from portable electronics to hybrid and electric vehicles. In this context, layered compounds in the Li(1+delta)(TM(x)Mn(1-x))(1-delta)O(2) family (TM = transition metal) have received much attention due to their high capacity and stability. In this Research News article we describe recent advances on structural characterization of Li-ion electrode materials using state-of-the-art electron microscopy. Direct evidence of the monoclinic nature of Li(2)MnO(3) has been provided. It has been demonstrated that differences in Z-contrast imaging between Li(2)MnO(3) and LiTMO(2) may be used to screen samples for phase separation in the 10-100 nm scale.