Senior scientist Poul Norby, DTU Energy Conversion, Department of Energy Conversion and Storage, Technical University of Denmark, Roskilde, Denmark

In situ Studies of Lithium Batteries; Using Synchrotron X-ray Radiation to Probe Reactions and Interfaces in Operating Batteries 

In order to improve present day rechargeable battery technology and develop new types of batteries, a detailed understanding of the mechanisms, reactions, structural properties and interface formation is necessary. Characterization and modeling range from atomic and nano scale to entire battery cells and battery packs.

We have used in situ synchrotron X-ray diffraction to study the intercalation/de-intercalation processes in operating batteries, covering both commercial batteries and micro battery cells. A special capillary-based micro battery cell has been developed by us for in situ studies, designed to study structural changes in the electrode materials in detail, and to map chemical/compositional gradients through an electrode layer. In addition, the cell will be used in connection with a new EU project, Hi-C, for studies of internal interfaces in battery electrode crystallites using high resolution synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction. Hi-C will focus on development of in situ methods for characterizing nano-scale external and internal  interfaces during operation of electrochemical storage systems

Results from in situ studies of structural investigations of cathode and anode materials will be presented together with preliminary results from in situ studies of chemical gradients and interface investigations.

Host: Associate professor Torben René Jensen, iNANO and Department of Chemistry, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark

Please note!
Coffee, tea and bread will be served in front of the iNANO auditorium from 10:00 o'clock.