Tomography

Tomography of batteries using neutrons and X-rays

A complete, three-dimensional image of the entire internal structure is obtained by radiographing the object to be examined from different directions and then combining these data into a three-dimensional data set (i.e. tomography). The result is a spatial image in the virtual space, which can be disassembled at any place at will, cut up or examined for structural or chemical changes. Again, X-rays and neutrons are used. Both types of radiation behave in a way complementary to each other, as they reflect different properties of the materials studied. Thus, with neutron radiation, material contrasts are visible that are not to be found with synchrotron radiation and vice versa.

Separation of individual regions and chemical species in the neutron tomogram of a Li battery.

Internal structure of a Li-ion capacitor. (a) side view of the metal container; (b) virtually removing a volume part; (c) visualization of a large electrolyte dayglomeration; (d) horizontal cross section and magnification (e) to illustrate delamination.