Transient phase change in two phase reaction between LiFePO₄ and FePO₄ under battery operation

Transient states of phase transition in LiFePO₄/FePO₄ for lithium ion battery positive electrodes are investigated by time-resolved measurements. To directly detect changes in electronic and crystal structures under battery operation, in situ time-resolved X-ray absorption and diffraction measurements are performed, respectively. The phase fraction change estimated by the iron valence change is similar to the electrochemically expected change. The transient change of lattice constant during two phase reaction is clearly observed by the time-resolved X-ray diffraction measurement. The nonequilibrium lithium extraction behavior deviates from the thermodynamic diagram of the two phase system, resulting in continuous phase transition during electrochemical reactions.