Three-dimensional reconstruction of a composite cathode for lithium-ion cells

The three-dimensional microstructure of a porous composite cathode for lithium-ion cells has been analyzed by a combined focused ion beam (FIB)/scanning electron microscopy (SEM) approach. The spatial distributions of 1) carbon black as electronic conductor, 2) LiFePO(4) as active material and 3) pore volume were reconstructed by appropriate image processing methods. The representative volume element with a size of 5 x 5 x 15 mu m(3) = 375 mu m(3) (24 million volumetric pixels) delivered critical microstructural features as volume fractions, volume-specific surface areas and tortuosity of the three individual phases. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.