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Operando synchrotron imaging of all-solid-state microbatteries


​​​​​​​​​​A consortium of researchers from CEA-Irig, CEA-Leti, and the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF) has made a major breakthrough by conducting the first-ever X-ray monitoring of the entire operation of an all-solid-state microbattery. This study reveals interfacial mechanisms limiting the battery’s performance, paving the way for the design of better batteries in the future.​

Published on 3 August 2026

​The transition from conventional lithium-ion batteries to all-solid-state batteries (ASSB)* poses a major challenge in terms of safety and energy density. However, solid-solid interfaces remain poorly understood. By combining CEA-Irig's expertise in synchrotron imaging, CEA-Leti's know-how in silicon microfabrication*, and the capabilities of the ESRF, a unique platform has been created. It enables simultaneous imaging of the structure of all components of a microbattery in operation with micrometer-scale resolution, surpassing the limits of conventional characterization methods.

For the first time, the complete structural evolution of a microbattery during a full cycle has been visualized using 2D X-ray microdiffraction imaging. The study shows that the discharge limitation of LiCoO₂ electrodes* is due to the formation of a reversible insulating layer* at the electrode interface. This approach also allows for the observation of lithium metal electrodeposition in the all-solid-state microbattery without an anode. This provides direct insight into the physical phenomena at the various interfaces that are essential for designing the batteries of the future.​

 
© CEA-Irig & CEA-Leti
Figure : Principle of operando microdiffraction measurement on an all-solid-state microbattery, enabling the identification of the main components based on their diffraction peaks.

This collaboration has led to the establishment of a unique European platform dedicated to operando studies and high-throughput screening of materials for all-solid-state batteries. Initial work has demonstrated the platform’s ability to observe the operation of all-solid-state microbatteries in real time and to analyze the mechanisms that limit their performance. Future developments will incorporate operando 3D tomography* and high-throughput structural analysis* to accelerate the evaluation of new materials and better understand degradation mechanisms. Ultimately, this platform aims to accelerate the development and industrial transfer of next-generation all-solid-state microbatteries, while strengthening collaborations between research and industry.

all-solid-state batteries (ASSB)*: next-generation batteries in which the liquid electrolyte is replaced by a solid material (non-flammable, with no risk of leakage in the event of damage, etc.), thereby providing greater safety and ensuring a longer service life.

silicon microfabrication*: a semiconductor manufacturing technology that enables the production of microbatteries integrated directly onto chips.

LiCoO₂ electrode*: an electrode composed of lithium cobalt oxide, which stores and releases lithium ions during a battery's charge and discharge cycles. In this study, LiCoO₂ is deposited as a thin film using silicon microfabrication processes.

reversible insulating layer*: Reactions at the electrode interface form a thin insulating layer (reducing conductivity) that disappears during the next cycle.

operando 3D tomography*: an imaging technique that will enable three-dimensional, real-time observation of the battery's internal changes during operation. It will provide essential information on the various physical phenomena occurring at the interfaces between the battery's different materials.

high-throughput structural analysis*: rapid measurements of hundreds of batteries arranged on a single wafer using synchrotron microdiffraction.​

UMR : SyMMES UMR 5819, CEA, CNRS, UGA, Grenoble INP UGA; MEM UMR 9001, CEA, UGA; Léti, CEA.

Fundings : CEA.

Collaborations : Battery Pilot Hub de l'ESRF (european synchrotron radiation facility).​


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