Advanced spectroscopy has become the cornerstone of innovation for carbon-based energy technologies, particularly in the development of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), fuel cells, and industrial corrosion protection. By utilizing carbon materials like graphite and graphene, engineers can achieve exceptional electronic and structural performance; however, these materials remain vulnerable to degradation in harsh electrochemical environments. Advanced analytical probes allow researchers to "see" at the molecular level, identifying the exact moment structural integrity begins to fail.
The integration of Raman, Infrared (IR), and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) provides a comprehensive toolkit for deciphering complex material behaviors. These techniques enable real-time monitoring of defect accumulation, surface oxidation, and interfacial reactions that typically lead to device failure. By correlating spectroscopic data with electrochemical performance, scientists can now engineer more resilient coatings and dopants, significantly extending the operational lifespan and efficiency of sustainable energy systems.
Read the full story on the ASM International website: https://doi.org/10.31399/asm.amp.2025-07.p030
Advanced spectroscopy acts as a precise analytical toolkit to monitor the structural integrity and chemical composition of carbon-based materials like graphite and graphene. By providing real-time data on material behavior and degradation, techniques such as Raman, IR, and XPS help researchers extend device lifespan and enhance energy conversion efficiency.
The three foundational techniques include:
Raman spectroscopy identifies corrosion by measuring the ID / IG ratio. An increase in this ratio signals oxidative damage and a rise in defect density. Additionally, frequency shifts in the G band indicate lattice strain, while changes in the 2D band reveal a loss of monolayer characteristics in graphene during degradation.
Yes. Spectroscopic analysis provides empirical evidence of structural preservation. Samples with effective protective coatings or dopants exhibit significantly lower ratios in Raman spectra and a marked reduction in the formation of deleterious oxygen-containing functional groups in IR and XPS analysis.
Surface oxidation, detected via IR spectroscopy through the emergence of hydroxyl (-OH) and carbonyl (C=O) groups, leads to two primary failure points:
While spectroscopy reveals molecular-level changes, electrochemical techniques like Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) characterize how the material performs under electrical stress. Using multivariate statistical techniques to correlate these two data sets allows scientists to predict corrosion rates and optimize material durability.
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