Energy research demands detailed characterization of materials at the micro and nanoscale. From battery electrodes to solar cell interfaces, scanning electron microscopy reveals the morphological features that determine device performance and lifetime.

The SNE-Alpha desktop SEM enables energy materials research in university labs, R&D facilities, and quality control environments. Combined with EDS for elemental analysis, it provides comprehensive characterization of electrode materials, catalyst layers, and energy conversion devices.

Key Energy Applications

• Battery Electrodes: Characterize active material morphology, particle size, and distribution. Study cycling-induced changes and degradation
• Solar Cells: Examine photovoltaic layer structure, grain boundaries, and interface quality in crystalline and thin-film PV
• Fuel Cells: Analyze catalyst distribution, membrane structure, and gas diffusion layer porosity
• Supercapacitors: Image porous electrode materials and characterize surface area morphology
• Solid-State Batteries: Examine solid electrolyte interfaces and electrode-electrolyte contact
• Hydrogen Storage: Characterize metal hydride particles and porous storage materials

Battery Research with SEM

Lithium-ion battery research relies heavily on SEM for electrode characterization:

• Cathode Materials: Image NMC, LFP, and other cathode particle morphology and size distribution
• Anode Materials: Characterize graphite, silicon, and composite anode structures
• Post-Mortem Analysis: Examine cycled electrodes for degradation, SEI formation, and lithium plating
• Cross-Section Analysis: Study electrode thickness, porosity, and layer adhesion