MSc Thesis Presentation: Optimizing and Analyzing X-Ray Powder Diffraction of Orthosilicate Cathode Materials using a Combined Synchrotron X-Ray Diffraction and Absorption Spectroscopy Experimental Setup
Date and Time
Location
MacN 222
Details
MSc Thesis Presentation
Candidate: Vincent Emond
Abstract
Lithium ion batteries have become ubiquitous in the modern world, powering devices such as cellular phones and vehicles. This thesis seeks to improve the powder X-ray diffraction capabilities of a combined X-ray absorption spectroscopy and powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) experimental setup, used for investigating lithium ion battery cathode materials, at the Hard X-ray MicroAnalysis beamline in the Canadian Light Source. Determination of the atomic structure of ex-situ orthosilicate cathode materials via Rietveld refinement is a goal, and provides a data quality benchmark for the improved setup. Instrumentation assembled for the improvement of the PXRD data, and equipment allowing for elevated temperature in-situ measurements are discussed. Also explored is the structure and polymorphism of Li2MSiO4 (M = Fe, Mn) from varying synthesis conditions.
Examination Committee:
- Dr. Robert Wickham, Chair
- Dr. De-Tong Jiang, Advisor
- Dr. Stefan Kycia
- Dr. Daniel Thomas