ИСТИНА

Extremely high efficiency of neutron scattering as a tool for analysis of atomic and magnetic structures of materials is conditioned by well known features of slow neutrons interaction with matter: sensitivity to light elements, ability to distinguish between adjacent elements, huge magnetic scattering cross-section, and high penetration depth. All they are topical for electrochemical materials used in batteries, fuel cells etc. Just light elements (hydrogen, lithium, carbon, oxygen) are required for electrochemical devices and we need to know their positions in a structure for understanding of redox-processes. Cathode materials usually contain cations with close atomic numbers and their distribution (redistribution processes) in a unit cell can be traced up by neutron diffraction only. Magnetism of the 3d-elements (Mn, Fe, Co, Ni) is in many respects crucial for macroscopic properties of the oxides and magnetic neutron scattering is able to provide data about magnetic structure – properties correlations. Finally, the high penetrability of neutrons in matter, due to their lack of charge, is helpful for studies on samples in special environments and in situ studies with model electrochemical cell and real current sources. This paper reviews the state of the art in neutron scattering (mainly diffraction) experiments, facilities available to researchers, and some applications of neutron scattering for studies of electrochemical materials and processes both ex and in situ. Besides, the construction of the specialized facility RTD (Real Time Diffractometer) at the IBR-2 pulsed reactor in Dubna is reported, which offers a substantially new possibility for real-time experiments [1]. Often only this mode with a continuous recording of experimental information allows obtaining the necessary data for the interpretation of an irreversible process. The minute and sometimes second range of collecting diffraction and SANS patterns has already been realized in Dubna [2]. Estimations show that at the upgraded IBR-2 reactor the conditions exist for a significant improvement in temporal resolution while reducing the mass of the sample. 1. A.M.Balagurov et al. “A New Diffractometer at the IBR-2M Reactor for Real-Time Studies of Irreversible Processes” JINR Communication, Р13-2010-116, Dubna, 2010. 2. A.M.Balagurov, G.M.Mironova “Phase transformations in materials studied by TOF neutron thermo-diffractometry” Materials Science Forum, 1993, v.133-136, pp.397-402