Short Courses

A comprehensive understanding of aging phenomena and the resulting performance loss occurring in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) is essential for ongoing improvement of the technology. The formation of a uniform solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) is of crucial importance for the performance, lifetime, and safety of LIBs. Transition metal dissolution (TMD), caused by degradation of the cathode, and subsequent TM deposition on the anode surface can deteriorate the protective properties of the SEI, possibly leading to reconstruction of the SEI and loss of active lithium. We explore this topic here.

In this "Icons of Spectroscopy" column, executive editor Jerome Workman Jr. details how Van Zandt Williams from Perkin-Elmer Corporation and American Cyanamid, and Norman E. Wright from the Dow Chemical Company, have made significant contributions to the field of vibrational spectroscopy.

Top articles published this week include our ”Top 10” accessed technical articles for the month, a Q&A interview that discussed applying near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy to monitor fatty acid profiles in black soldier fly larvae (BSFL), and an article about analyzing microplastics in U.S. seafood.

A recent study out of China explored using a new continuous solid-phase extraction spectroscopy (CSPES) device to monitor water quality.