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In this article, researchers from the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) in Japan used Scanning Spreading Resistance Microscopy (SSRM) and DataCube modes on Bruker’s Dimension Icon AFM in order to study Li-ion battery cathodes, having LiCoC₂ as the active material, under a controlled Argon atmosphere. SSRM images revealed variations in the conductivity of the different components in the cathodes. The hyperspectral DataCube mode approach of allowed the researchers to collect I-V spectra at every pixel of the SSRM images. Principle component analysis (PCA) of the resulting multidimensional data sets successfully yielded typical I–V curves that corresponded to both the LiCoO₂ particles and the carbon black domains on a statistical basis. The findings of this work have provided unique insights into electron conduction through coatings on active materials and the influence of binders on the electrical properties of composite electrodes. As such, they are expected to contribute toward improving Li-ion battery performance.
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