Surface analysis insight note: Accounting for X-ray beam damage effects in positive electrode-electrolyte interphase investigations

We investigated the effects of X-ray beam damage during X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurement on LiNiO2 electrodes. The degree of damage induced by lab-based and synchrotron X-ray radiation has been compared between pristine and cycled electrodes, highlighting the role of positive solid electrode-electrolyte interphase to protect the cycled LiNiO2 surface from beam damage. The possible steps to avoid or at least reduce the beam-induced effects are outlined.