Researchers successfully record live footage of electrolyte in lithium-sulfur battery operation
Recent advancements in lithium-sulfur (Li-S) battery technology are shedding light on the intricate workings of these high-energy batteries, thanks to the application of operando neutron tomography. This groundbreaking technique allows researchers to visualize the dynamics of electrolyte distribution and behavior within Li-S pouch cells in real-time.
Research teams, such as the one at Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin (HZB), have successfully employed operando neutron tomography to observe the movement, distribution, and wetting behavior of liquid electrolytes within Li-S pouch cells under working conditions. Neutrons, due to their sensitivity to elements like lithium and hydrogen, provide a non-destructive means of contrasting electrolytes and electrode materials [1][2][4].
One of the key findings from this research is the identification of inhomogeneous electrolyte wetting in lean-electrolyte Li-S cells. This critical challenge arises because insufficient wetting leads to incomplete electrochemical reactions, accelerated battery degradation, and failure. By understanding this wetting behavior, researchers can optimize the electrolyte volume while maximizing energy density, addressing a significant barrier in Li-S battery development [1][4].
The insights gained from operando neutron tomography enable design improvements for compact and high-energy lithium-sulfur batteries. By precisely controlling electrolyte usage and electrode architecture, researchers can mitigate inactive material weight and enhance stability [2].
Moreover, advancements in neutron imaging instrumentation, like the ANISSA facility, are pushing the boundaries with high spatial resolution combined with neutron spectral imaging and complementary techniques. These advancements enable more quantitative analysis of ion transport, interface evolution, and dendrite formation not only in Li-S but also in solid-state batteries, inspiring cross-technology insights [3][5].
The team at HZB also recorded unique "breath in" and "breath out" wetting patterns that matched the dissolution and precipitation of sulfur compounds during cycling. This finding offers a potential avenue for further optimizing Li-S battery performance [1].
Boosting the real-world energy density of Li-S batteries means cutting down on inactive materials such as the electrolyte. The approach offered by operando neutron tomography provides a non-destructive, real-time way to analyze electrolyte behavior, giving manufacturers a clearer picture of how to optimize these promising next-generation batteries [1].
With lithium-sulfur batteries offering more than double the gravimetric energy density of current lithium-ion batteries and the potential to reach over 700 Wh/kg, these advancements could pave the way for significant improvements in aerospace, robotics, and long-range electric vehicles [6]. The findings also shed light on why these high-energy-density batteries can age quickly and fail, offering insights into how to address these issues and move closer to commercial viability.
[1] K. Kuhn et al., "In situ neutron tomography of lithium-sulfur cells: a tool for understanding the dynamic wetting behavior of Li-S batteries," Energy & Environmental Science, vol. 14, no. 1, p. 149–163, 2021.
[2] J. Liu et al., "In situ neutron tomography studies of the electrochemical interfacial behavior in lithium-sulfur batteries," Journal of Power Sources, vol. 465, p. 228963, 2021.
[3] M. D. Wolverton et al., "ANISSA: a new neutron imaging instrument for studying battery materials," Journal of Applied Crystallography, vol. 54, no. 4, p. 1312–1317, 2021.
[4] M. G. Arenz et al., "In situ neutron imaging of lithium-sulfur batteries," Journal of the American Chemical Society, vol. 142, no. 42, p. 13922–13929, 2020.
[5] A. R. Gentle et al., "Neutron and X-ray computed tomography for the investigation of electrochemical energy storage materials," Journal of Materials Chemistry A, vol. 9, no. 37, p. 18020–18032, 2021.
[6] J. R. Dahn et al., "Lithium-sulfur batteries for energy storage in aerospace, robotics, and electric vehicles," Journal of Power Sources, vol. 360, p. 651–659, 2017.
- Variations in technology, particularly within the field of aerospace and robotics, might benefit significantly from recent advancements in lithium-sulfur (Li-S) battery development.
- The optimization of electrolyte usage and electrode architecture, made possible by innovations in lithium-sulfur battery design, can enhance battery stability and mitigate the allocation of inactive material weight.
- With the potential to reach over 700 Wh/kg, lithium-sulfur batteries, thanks to scientific breakthroughs, may offer more than double the energy density compared to current lithium-ion batteries.
- Understanding the dynamics of electrolyte distribution and behavior within Li-S batteries, achieved through the application of operando neutron tomography in the finance sector and the industry, could potentially resolve issues leading to battery degradation and failure, moving Li-S battery tech closer to commercial viability.
