Imaging state of charge and its correlation to interaction variation in an LiMn(0.75)Fe(0.25)PO(4) nanorods-graphene hybrid.

Visualization of the state of charge (SOC) in an LiMn(0.75)Fe(0.25)PO(4) nanorods-graphene hybrid nanostructure (LMFP-C) is realized by chemical mapping of the Fe valance state using scanning transmission X-ray microscopy (STXM). The LMFP-graphene interaction strength variation studied by C K-edge STXM has been correlated to SOC variation, i.e. a stronger interaction was observed for sample regions with a higher SOC in LMFP. Such structure-performance correlation opens new perspectives for a rational design of a better performance olivine cathode for lithium ion batteries.