Monitoring lead-acid battery function using operando neutron radiography

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates the use of operando neutron radiography to observe electrochemical processes inside a lead-acid battery during operation, combining experimental imaging with simulations to explore battery function.

Contribution

It introduces the first neutron radiography method for lead-acid batteries, including custom cell design and combined experimental and simulation analysis.

Findings

Successful imaging of electrolyte activity during cycling

Development of a neutron-friendly lead-acid cell design

Potential for neutron imaging in battery diagnostics

Abstract

Investigating batteries while they operate allows researchers to track the inner electrochemical processes involved in working conditions. This study describes the first neutron radiography investigation of a lead-acid battery. A custom-designed neutron friendly lead-acid cell and casing is developed and studied operando during electrochemical cycling, in order to observe the activity within the electrolyte and at the electrodes. This experimental work is coupled with Monte Carlo simulations of neutron transmittance. Details of cell construction, data collection and data analysis are presented. This work highlights the potential of neutron imaging for tracking battery function and outlines opportunities for further development.