Home > Press > Nanoparticles in lithium-sulphur batteries detected with neutron experiment
 |
| The operando cell was developed at HZB and allows to analyse processes inside the battery during charging cycles with neutrons. © S. Risse/HZB |
Abstract:
Lithium-sulphur batteries are regarded as one of the most promising candidates for the next generation of energy storage devices. They have a theoretical gravimetric energy density that is five times higher than that of the best lithium-ion batteries currently available. And they even work at sub-zero temperatures of down to -50 °C. In addition, sulphur is inexpensive and environmentally friendly.
Nanoparticles in lithium-sulphur batteries detected with neutron experiment
Berlin, Germany | Posted on September 6th, 2019However, their capacity so far has fallen sharply with every charge-discharge cycle, so that such batteries are not yet long-lasting. The loss of capacity is caused by complicated reaction processes at the electrodes inside the battery cell. It is therefore particularly important to understand exactly how the charge (sulphur) and discharge (lithium sulphide) products precipitate and dissolve. While sulphur precipitates macroscopically and therefore lends itself to examination by imaging techniques or X-ray diffraction during cycling, lithium sulphide is difficult to detect due to its sub-10-nm particle size.
Insight into this has now been provided for the first time by investigations with the BER II neutron source at the HZB. Dr. Sebastian Risse used a measuring cell he developed to illuminate lithium-sulphur batteries with neutrons during charging and discharging cycles (operando) and simultaneously performed additional measurements with impedance spectroscopy.
This enabled him and his team to analyse the dissolution and precipitation of lithium sulphide with extreme precision during ten discharge/charging cycles. Since neutrons interact strongly with deuterium (heavy hydrogen), the researchers used a deuterated electrolyte in the battery cell to make both the solid products (sulphur and lithium sulphide) visible.
Their conclusion: "We observed that the lithium sulphide and sulphur precipitation does not take place inside the microporous carbon electrodes, but instead on the outer surface of the carbon fibres", says Risse. These results provide a valuable guide for the development of better battery electrodes.
####
For more information, please click here
Contacts:
Antonia Roetger
Contact the expert:
Dr. rer. nat. Sebastian Risse
(030) 8062 - 43022
Copyright © Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie
If you have a comment, please Contact us.Issuers of news releases, not 7th Wave, Inc. or Nanotechnology Now, are solely responsible for the accuracy of the content.
Bookmark:
| Related Links |
| Related News Press |
News and information
Let the europium shine brighter January 21st, 2020
Nanotubes may give the world better batteries: Rice U. scientists' method quenches lithium metal dendrites in batteries that charge faster, last longer January 16th, 2020
Quantum physics: Controlled experiment observes self-organized criticality January 16th, 2020
Pretty with a twist: Complex porous, chiral nano-patterns arise from a simple linear building block January 16th, 2020
Possible Futures
Let the europium shine brighter January 21st, 2020
Study finds billions of quantum entangled electrons in 'strange metal' Physicists provide direct evidence of entanglement's role in quantum criticality January 16th, 2020
Nanotubes may give the world better batteries: Rice U. scientists' method quenches lithium metal dendrites in batteries that charge faster, last longer January 16th, 2020
Researchers gain control over internal structure of self-assembled composite materials January 16th, 2020
Discoveries
Let the europium shine brighter January 21st, 2020
Quantum physics: Controlled experiment observes self-organized criticality January 16th, 2020
Pretty with a twist: Complex porous, chiral nano-patterns arise from a simple linear building block January 16th, 2020
Toward safer disposal of printed circuit boards January 16th, 2020
Announcements
Let the europium shine brighter January 21st, 2020
Quantum physics: Controlled experiment observes self-organized criticality January 16th, 2020
Pretty with a twist: Complex porous, chiral nano-patterns arise from a simple linear building block January 16th, 2020
Toward safer disposal of printed circuit boards January 16th, 2020
Interviews/Book Reviews/Essays/Reports/Podcasts/Journals/White papers/Posters
Let the europium shine brighter January 21st, 2020
Quantum physics: Controlled experiment observes self-organized criticality January 16th, 2020
Pretty with a twist: Complex porous, chiral nano-patterns arise from a simple linear building block January 16th, 2020
Toward safer disposal of printed circuit boards January 16th, 2020
Battery Technology/Capacitors/Generators/Piezoelectrics/Thermoelectrics/Energy storage
A new method to study lithium dendrites could lead to better, safer batteries January 10th, 2020
NUS scientists create world’s first monolayer amorphous film January 9th, 2020
Nexeon Updates on SUNRISE Project: Next Generation Battery Materials Project Exceeding Expectations January 6th, 2020
Supercharging tomorrow: Monash develops world's most efficient lithium-sulfur battery January 3rd, 2020
 |
||
 |
||
| The latest news from around the world, FREE | ||
 |
||
|
|
||
| Premium Products | ||
 |
||
|
Only the news you want to read!
Learn More |
||
 |
||
|
Full-service, expert consulting
Learn More |
||
|
|
||