This course introduces the fundamental principles and applications of synchrotron-based X-ray characterization techniques for battery materials research. Emphasis is placed on understanding the generation and properties of synchrotron X-rays, their interaction with matter, and the spectroscopic methods used to probe the structural, chemical, and electronic states of battery materials. Building on the crystal and electronic structures of electrode and electrolyte materials, the course focuses on X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and related synchrotron-based analytical techniques. Through lectures, case studies, and invited seminars, students will learn how advanced X-ray spectroscopy can be used to reveal redox mechanisms, interfacial chemistry, local structural evolution, and degradation pathways in rechargeable batteries.

Robert A. Huggins, Advanced Batteries: Materials Science Aspects
Cai Shen, Microscopy and Microanalysis for Lithium-Ion Batteries
Joachim Stöhr, NEXAFS Spectroscopy
Grant Bunker, Introduction to XAFS: A Practical Guide to X-ray Absorption Fine Structure Spectroscopy
Jens Als-Nielsen and Des McMorrow, Elements of Modern X-ray Physics

[Overview]
Precise characterization of battery materials is essential for understanding how rechargeable batteries operate, degrade, and fail. In particular, synchrotron-based X-ray techniques provide powerful tools for probing the atomic, electronic, and chemical evolution of battery components under ex situ, in situ, and operando conditions.

This course begins with the basic principles of battery reactions and materials characterization, followed by an introduction to synchrotron radiation, beamline optics, and the interaction of X-rays with matter. The main part of the course focuses on X-ray spectroscopy techniques, including XAS, XANES, EXAFS, XPS, XRF, and X-ray spectromicroscopy, with particular emphasis on their application to electrode redox chemistry, transition-metal and oxygen electronic structures, interfacial reactions, elemental distribution, and degradation mechanisms.

By the end of the course, students are expected to understand the operating principles of major synchrotron-based X-ray characterization tools and to design appropriate experimental strategies for addressing key scientific questions in battery materials research. Invited seminars by characterization experts will further expose students to state-of-the-art analytical approaches used in current battery research.


1주차 강의 소개: 배터리 소재 분석의 목적, 범위, 그리고 방사광 기반 X-ray 분석의 역할
2주차 전지 반응 기초: 전극 반응, 산화/환원, 결정 구조 및 전자 구조 변화
3주차 방사광가속기의 원리 I: synchrotron radiation의 발생, 특성, 배터리 분석 활용 사례
4주차 방사광가속기의 원리 II: X선의 특징 및 X선–물질 상호작용
5주차 빔라인 구성 요소: 광원, monochromator, mirror, detector, sample environment
6주차 X-ray absorption spectroscopy I: XAS의 원리, absorption edge, 측정 모드
7주차 X-ray absorption spectroscopy II: EXAFS 기초 및 국소 구조 분석 / 분석기술 전문가 특강 1
8주차 중간고사
9주차 XANES와 전자 구조 분석: 전이금속 산화수, ligand field, 양극재 산화/환원 기구
10주차 Hard X-ray 및 soft X-ray XAS: 전이금속 redox, oxygen redox, 표면/벌크 민감도 비교
11주차 X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy: XPS 원리, 표면화학, SEI/CEI 및 계면 반응 분석 / 분석기술 전문가 특강 2
12주차 X-ray fluorescence 및 spectromicroscopy: XRF, XAS imaging, chemical mapping, 입자/전극 스케일 분석
13주차 심화 분석 기술 I: in situ/operando XAS 및 배터리 구동 중 반응 추적
14주차 심화 분석 기술 II: 전자현미경 및 X-ray 분석의 상보적 활용 / 분석기술 전문가 특강 3
15주차 방사광가속기 활용 전략: 빔타임 신청, 실험 설계, 시료 준비, 데이터 해석 및 연구 사례
16주차 기말고사

- lecture, critical literature review (presentation), discussion