Advancing electrochemical energy storage technologies is impossible without a molecular-level understand-ing of processes as they occur in practical, commercial-type devices. Aspects of the battery design, such as the chemistry and thickness of electrodes, as well as configurations of current collectors and tabs, influence the electronic and ionic current density distributions and determine kinetic limitations of solid-state ion transport. These effects, in turn, modulate the overall battery performance and longevity. For these reasons, optimistic outcomes of conventional ‘coin’ cell tests often do not converge into high-performance commercial cells. Safety concerns associated with high energy density and flammable components of batteries are another subject paramount for conversion from fossil to green energy sources.
Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and imaging (MRI) are exceptionally sensitive to the structural environment and dynamics of most elements in active battery materials.
Recently, plug-and-play NMR and surface-scan MRI methods have been introduced. In the context of fun-damental electrochemical research, merging two innovative complementary concepts within one multi-modal (NMR-MRI) device would enable diverse analytical solutions and reliable battery performance metrics for academia and the energy sector.
In this project, an advanced analytical framework for in situ analysis of fundamental phenomena such as sol-id-state ion transport, intercalation and associated phase transitions, metal plating dynamics, electrolyte deg-radation and mechanical defects in commercial Li- and Na-ion batteries under various operational conditions will be developed. A range of multi-modal (NMR-MRI) sensors will be developed and employed for deep analysis of fundamental electrochemical processes in commercial battery cells and small battery packs.