Nanoscale Characterization Techniques for Electrode Stabilization Investigations in Battery Nanomaterials

There is a global drive towards sourcing energy from de-carbonized, clean and renewable technologies as opposed to fossil fuel-based conventional technologies. Today, Li-ion batteries are used to power societal needs ranging from electric vehicles and large-scale grids to cell phones and portable electronics. However, improvements are needed in the battery technology of today to fully meet the future needs of a green planet. Specifically, batteries must become more robust, inexpensive, safer, and operate longer. To meet these ongoing market demands, the scientific community is researching “green” battery materials with higher storage capacity, increased lifespan, and lower cost. Nanomaterials sourced from abundant and low-cost manganese-based compounds could be a potential solution to these challenges. In order to incorporate a new nanomaterial-based electrode in lithium-ion batteries, their mechanical stability during charge insertion / de-insertion and electrochemical cycling are important. In this dissertation, an on-chip platform has been utilized to characterize the nanomechanical performance regimes and material stabilization of tunneled manganese dioxide nanowires, which are battery-relevant candidates for use as cathodes, at a single particle level.