Figure 1: (a) Cyclon cell 2V and 5 Ah (b) temperature controlled
environmental chamber.
Post cycling analysis, electrode materials were extracted in charged and
discharged states for chemical and morphological characterization
(Figure 2). The extracted material was thoroughly ground, rinsed with
water profusely to remove remnant acid, and dried overnight at 80 °C.
Phase and crystal structure of pristine and degraded electrodes were
examined using XRD (PANalytical X’Pert PRO MRD; Cu Kα radiation; 0.006
degrees/sec). Phases of the materials were validated after rinsing and
drying process during material extraction process. EDX spectral mapping
analysis (25 kV) was performed for estimating the chemical composition
of electrodes post degradation.