Spectroscopic neutron imaging for resolving hydrogen dynamics changes in battery electrolytes

We present the use of spectroscopic neutron imaging (SNI), a bridge between imaging and scattering techniques, for analyzing battery electrolytes. The scattering information of CHn-based organic solvents and electrolytes was mapped in a two-dimensional space through time-of-flight neutron imaging, which exploits the wavelength-dependent properties of hydrogen atoms. The results show partial solidification and concertation change of electrolyte as a function of temperature. Our investigation demonstrates a novel approach to tracking real-time physical and chemical changes in H-containing compounds, by which limitations of new electrolyte mixtures and additives can be evaluated. The sensitivity of SNI to hydrogen in CHn functional groups extends the use of spectral methods to inspect electrolytes in Li-ion batteries and organic solvents for relevant applications beyond electrochemical systems. & COPY; 2023 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).

Automated summary

This study presents a new method for analyzing battery electrolytes, called spectroscopic neutron imaging (SNI), which serves as a bridge between imaging and scattering techniques. By utilizing time-of-flight neutron imaging, which exploits the wavelength-dependent properties of hydrogen atoms, the scattering information of CHn-based organic solvents and electrolytes was mapped in a two-dimensional space. The results reveal the partial solidification and concentration change of electrolyte with temperature. This investigation demonstrates a novel approach to track real-time physical and chemical changes in H-containing compounds, allowing evaluation of limitations of new electrolyte mixtures and additives. The sensitivity of SNI to hydrogen in CHn functional groups extends the use of spectral methods to inspect electrolytes in Li-ion batteries and organic solvents for relevant applications beyond electrochemical systems.