On June 4, 2023, at the invitation of Professor Tang Yuxin from Fuzhou University, Professor Wang Mingsheng from Xiamen University came to our group for communication and visit, and presented a lecture entitled "In-situ characterization of carbon-based alkali metal anode by 'modeling' TEM" in the lecture hall of South 101, Quan Gang Building for teachers and students. He gave a wonderful academic report entitled "In-situ characterization of carbon-based alkali metal anode by TEM" to the students and faculty in the lecture hall of Quanjing Building South 101 Youer.
Alkali metals such as lithium and sodium are regarded as the ultimate choice for next-generation high-performance battery anode materials, however, the practicalization of alkali metal anodes still faces many problems, such as huge volume changes, unstable SEI films and dendrite growth. Carbon is an irreplaceable electrode component due to its excellent conductivity and structural/chemical stability as well as its low cost. Compounding with carbon will also be the way to the practicalization of alkali metal anode. However, taking lithium metal as an example, it is deeply embedded in the carbon-based collector/host with various morphologies and dimensions of micro/nano-scale restricted domain space inside, and the deposition/dissolution process of lithium metal in it is like a black box, which is difficult to be directly observed by ordinary methods, and there is an urgent need to develop corresponding visualization and characterization means.
Professor Mingsheng Wang proposes to use artificial structural models to simulate various closed or semi-closed microenvironments in real negative electrodes or at the negative electrode/electrolyte interface. These carbon-based structural models provide a confined space for transmission electron microscopy (TEM) electron beam penetration to observe the internal alkali metal growth and dissolution in real time, and these processes can simulate the real negative electrode operation, which can reveal the general laws, clarify the related mechanism, and greatly enhance the research efficiency. We call this "modeled" (or "simulated") in situ TEM characterization, which provides an important reference for studying the special morphology and properties of alkali metals in confined space and designing efficient alkali metal cathodes.
Prof. Wang Ming-sheng's presentation aroused great interest of the participating students and faculty members, and they ac tively participated in the discussion session and exchanged ideas with Prof. Wang Ming-sheng on the research in related fields, which further promoted academic cooperation and discipline development.
The exchange event provided a valuable platform for academic exchange among the faculty and students of Fuzhou University. Through the sharing and discussion of academic reports, it promoted interdisciplinary cooperation and the sharing and innovation of scientific research results. It is believed that such exchanges and cooperation will further promote the development of the field of electrochemical energy storage and lay a solid foundation for future scientific breakthroughs.
Lecture scene
Group photo
