Yuichi Ikuhara

About phase: The coexistence of rhombohedral LiTMO2 (TM=Ni, Co, or Mn) and monoclinic Li2MnO3-like structures inside Li1.2Mn0.567Ni0.166Co0.067O2 is revealed directly at atomic resolution. The hetero-interface along the [001]rh/[103]mon zone axis direction is demonstrated, indicating the two-phase nature of these lithium-rich cathode materials (green Li, blue Mn, red O, cyan TM).

In deformation processes, the presence of grain boundaries has a crucial influence on dislocation behavior; these boundaries drastically change the mechanical properties of polycrystalline materials. It has been considered that grain boundaries act as effective barriers for dislocation glide, but the origin of this barrier-like behavior has been a matter of conjecture for many years. We directly observe how the motion of individual dislocations is impeded at well-defined high-angle and low-angle

Cathodes of lithium-rich layered oxides for high-energy Li-ion batteries in electrically powered vehicles are attracting considerable attention by the research community. However, current research is insufficient to account for their complex reaction mechanism and application. Here, the structural evolution of lithium-manganese-rich layered oxides at different temperatures during electrochemical cycling has been investigated thoroughly, and their structural stability has been designed. The resul

Direct observation of light elements (Li and O) in oxygen-deficient lithium manganese spinel by spherical aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy is reported. A previously unknown ordered structure was revealed by annular dark-field (ADF) imaging of oxygen columns, while Li ions are visualized successfully by annular bright-field (ABF) imaging (see picture).