Probing Multiscale Transport and Inhomogeneity in a Lithium-Ion Pouch Cell Using in Situ Neutron Methods

Hui Zhou, Ke An, Srikanth Allu, Sreekanth Pannala, Jianlin Li, Hassina Z. Bilheux, Surendra K. Martha, Jagjit Nanda

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

52 Scopus citations

Abstract

We demonstrate the lithiation process in graphitic anodes using in situ neutron radiography and diffraction in a single-layer pouch cell. The variation in neutron absorption contrast in graphite shows a direct correlation between the degree of lithiation and the discharge potential. The experimental neutron attenuation line profiles across the graphite electrode at various discharge times (potentials) were compared with lithium concentration profiles computed using a 3D electrochemical transport model. In conjunction with imaging/radiography, in situ neutron diffraction was carried out to obtain information about the local structural changes during various stages of lithiation in carbon. Combined in situ radiography and diffraction supported by 3D multiscale electrochemical modeling opens up a powerful nondestructive tool that can be utilized to understand the multiscale nature of lithium transport as well as observe various inhomogeneities at a cell level.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)981-986
Number of pages6
JournalACS Energy Letters
Volume1
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 11 2016

Funding

This research used resources at the High Flux Isotope Reactor and Spallation Neutron Source, a DOE Office of Science User Facility operated by the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. J.N., H.Z., S.A., S.P., and S.M. acknowledge support from the Office of Vehicle Technology, EERE, DOE. The authors thank Drs. Andrew Payzant and Thomas Proffen for critical reading of the manuscript and valuable comments.

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