TY - JOUR A1 - Trogadas, P. A1 - Cho, J. I. S. A1 - Rasha, L. A1 - Lu, X. A1 - Kardjilov, N. A1 - Markötter, Henning A1 - Manke, I. A1 - Shearing, P. R. A1 - Brett, D. J. L. A1 - Coppens, M. O. T1 - A nature-inspired solution for water management in flow fields for electrochemical devices JF - Energy & Environmental Science N2 - A systematic, nature-inspired chemical engineering approach is employed to solve the issue of flooding in electrochemical devices. The mechanism of passive water transport utilized by lizards living in arid environments is leveraged to design flow-fields with a microchannel structure on their surface, through which capillary pressure rapidly removes the water generated in the electrochemical device. This water management strategy is implemented in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) with a lunginspired flow-field, which ensures uniform distribution of reactants across the catalyst layer. Jointly, this nature-inspired approach results in flood-free, stable operation at 100% RH and a B60% increase in current (B1.9 A cm-2) and peak power density (B650 mW cm−2) compared to current PEMFCs with a flood-prone, serpentine flow-field (B0.8 A cm-2 and 280 mW cm-2, respectively). This significant advance allows for PEMFC operation at fully humidified conditions. KW - Neutron imaging KW - X-ray tomography KW - Fuel cell PY - 2024 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-596662 DO - https://doi.org/10.1039/d3ee03666a VL - 17 SP - 2007 EP - 2017 PB - Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) AN - OPUS4-59666 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Zhang, X. A1 - Zhang, S. A1 - Lu, J. A1 - Tang, F. A1 - Dong, K. A1 - Yu, Z. A1 - Hilger, A. A1 - Osenberg, M. A1 - Markötter, Henning A1 - Wilde, F. A1 - Zhang, S. A1 - Zhao, J. A1 - Xu, G. A1 - Manke, I. A1 - Sun, F. A1 - Cui, G. T1 - Unveiling the Electro-Chemo-Mechanical Failure Mechanism of Sodium Metal Anodes in Sodium–Oxygen Batteries by Synchrotron X-Ray Computed Tomography JF - Advanced Functional Materials N2 - Rechargeable sodium–oxygen batteries (NaOBs) are receiving extensive research interests because of their advantages such as ultrahigh energy density and cost efficiency. However, the severe failure of Na metal anodes has impeded the commercial development of NaOBs. Herein, combining in situ synchrotron X-ray computed tomography (SXCT) and other complementary characterizations, a novel electro-chemo-mechanical failure mechanism of sodium metal anode in NaOBs is elucidated. It is visually showcased that the Na metal anodes involve a three-stage decay evolution of a porous Na reactive interphase layer (NRIL): from the initially dot-shaped voids evolved into the spindle-shaped voids and the eventually-developed ruptured cracks. The initiation of this three-stage evolution begins with chemical-resting and is exacerbated by further electrochemical cycling. From corrosion science and fracture mechanics, theoretical simulations suggest that the evolution of porous NRIL is driven by the concentrated stress at crack tips. The findings illustrate the importance of preventing electro-chemo-mechanical degradation of Na anodes in practically rechargeable NaOBs. KW - Synchrotron radiation KW - X-ray imaging KW - NaO-battery PY - 2024 DO - https://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.202402253 SN - 1616-301X SP - 1 EP - 12 PB - Wiley VHC-Verlag AN - OPUS4-59820 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Lu, J. A1 - Zhang, S. A1 - Yao, J. A1 - Guo, Z. A1 - Osenberg, M. A1 - Hilger, A. A1 - Markötter, Henning A1 - Wilde, F. A1 - Manke, I. A1 - Zhang, X. A1 - Sun, F. A1 - Cui, G. T1 - Synergistic Effect of CO2 in Accelerating the Galvanic Corrosion of Lithium/Sodium Anodes in Alkali Metal−Carbon Dioxide Batteries JF - ACS Nano N2 - Rechargeable alkali metal−CO2 batteries, which combine high theoretical energy density and environmentally friendly CO2 fixation ability, have attracted worldwide attention. Unfortunately, their electrochemical performances are usually inferior for practical applications. Aiming to reveal the underlying causes, a combinatorial usage of advanced nondestructive and postmortem characterization tools is used to intensively study the failure mechanisms of Li/Na−CO2 batteries. It is found that a porous interphase layer is formed between the separator and the Li/Na anode during the overvoltage rising and battery performance decaying process. A series of control experiments are designed to identify the underlying mechanisms dictating the observed morphological evolution of Li/Na anodes, and it is found that the CO2 synergist facilitates Li/Na chemical corrosion, the process of which is further promoted by the unwanted galvanic corrosion and the electrochemical cycling conditions. A detailed compositional analysis reveals that the as-formed interphase layers under different conditions are similar in species, with the main differences being their inconsistent quantity. Theoretical calculation results not only suggest an inherent intermolecular affinity between the CO2 and the electrolyte solvent but also provide the most thermodynamically favored CO2 reaction pathways. Based on these results, important implications for the further development of rechargeable alkali metal−CO2 batteries are discussed. The current discoveries not only fundamentally enrich our knowledge of the failure mechanisms of rechargeable alkali metal−CO2 batteries but also provide mechanistic directions for protecting metal anodes to build high-reversible alkali metal−CO2 batteries. KW - Alkali metal batteries KW - Synchrotron X-ray computed tomography KW - Lithium/sodium−carbon dioxide batteries KW - Battery failure mechanisms KW - Alkali metal anodes PY - 2024 DO - https://doi.org/10.1021/acsnano.4c02329 SP - 1 EP - 16 AN - OPUS4-59922 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Yao, J. A1 - Zhu, G. A1 - Dong, K. A1 - Osenberg, M. A1 - Hilger, A. A1 - Markötter, Henning A1 - Ju, J. A1 - Sun, F. A1 - Manke, I. A1 - Cui, G. T1 - Progress and Perspective of Controlling Li Dendrites Growth in All-Solid-State Li Metal Batteries via External Physical Fields JF - Advanced Energy and Sustainability Research N2 - Li dendrites penetration through solid electrolytes (SEs) challenges the development of solid-state Li batteries (SSLBs). To date, significant efforts are devoted to understand the mechanistic dynamics of Li dendrites nucleation, growth, and propagation in SEs, and various strategies that aim to alleviate and even inhibit Li dendrite formation have been proposed. Nevertheless, most of these conventional strategies require either additional material processing steps or new materials/layers that eventually increase battery cost and complexity. In contrast, using external fields, such as mechanical force, temperature physical field, electric field, pulse current, and even magnetic field to regulate Li dendrites penetration through SEs, seems to be one of the most cost-effective strategies. This review focuses on the current research progress of utilizing external physical fields in regulating Li dendrites growth in SSLBs. For this purpose, the mechanical properties of Li and SEs, as well as the experimental results that visually track Li penetration dynamics, are reviewed. Finally, the review ends with remaining open questions in future studies of Li dendrites growth and penetration in SEs. It is hoped this review can shed some light on understanding the complex Li dendrite issues in SSLBs and potentially guide their rational design for further development. KW - Li dendrites KW - Li dendrites penetration mechanisms KW - Solid electrolytes KW - Solid-state batteries PY - 2023 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-588331 DO - https://doi.org/10.1002/aesr.202300165 SN - 2699-9412 SP - 1 EP - 44 PB - Wiley-VCH CY - Weinheim AN - OPUS4-58833 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Jamro, R. A1 - Mente, Tobias A1 - Kardjilov, N. A1 - Markötter, Henning A1 - Al-Falahat, Ala'A. M. A1 - Woracek, R. A1 - Manke, I. A1 - Griesche, Axel T1 - Temperature distribution during welding measured by neutron imaging JF - Journal of Physics: Conference Series N2 - This study was carried out to investigate the neutron transmission signal as a function of sample temperature during a welding process. A theoretical description that includes the Debye-Waller factor was used to describe the temperature influence on the neutron crosssections. Neutron imaging using a monochromatic beam helps to observe transmission variations related to the material temperature. In-situ neutron imaging of welding experiments show the distribution of the temperature in bulk steel samples. The performed finite element modelling of expected temperature distributions shows good agreement with the obtained experimental data. KW - Neutron imaging KW - Debye-Waller-Faktor PY - 2023 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-586268 DO - https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/2605/1/012026 VL - 2605 SP - 1 EP - 10 PB - IOP Publishing Ltd. AN - OPUS4-58626 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Zheng, Y. A1 - Zhang, S. A1 - Ma, J. A1 - Sun, F. A1 - Osenberg, M. A1 - Hilger, A. A1 - Markötter, Henning A1 - Wilde, F. A1 - Manke, I. A1 - Hu, Z. A1 - Cui, G. T1 - Codependent failure mechanisms between cathode and anode in solid state lithium metal batteries: mediated by uneven ion flux JF - Science Bulletin N2 - An in-depth understanding of the degradation mechanisms is a prerequisite for developing the nextgeneration all solid-state lithium metal battery (ASSLMB) technology. Herein, synchrotron X-ray computed tomography (SXCT) together with other probing tools and simulation method were employed to rediscover the decaying mechanisms of LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 (NCM)|Li6PS5Cl (LPSCl)|Li ASSLMB. It reveals that the detachment and isolation of NCM particles cause the current focusing on the remaining active regions of cathode. The extent of Li stripping and the likelihood of Li+ plating into LPSCl facing the active NCM particles becomes higher. Besides, the homogeneity of Li stripping/plating is improved by homogenizing the electrochemical reactions at the cathode side by LiZr2(PO4)3 (LZP) coating. These results suggest a codependent failure mechanism between cathode and anode that is mediated by uneven Li ion flux. This work contributes to establish a holistic understanding of the degradation mechanisms in ASSLMBs and opens new opportunities for their further optimization and evelopment. KW - Current density distribution KW - Lithium ion flux KW - Solid-state lithium metal batteries KW - Codependent failure mechanism KW - Cathode deactivation PY - 2023 DO - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scib.2023.03.021 SN - 2095-9273 VL - 68 IS - 8 SP - 813 EP - 825 PB - Elsevier B.V. AN - OPUS4-57309 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Hoffmann, H A1 - Paulisch, M C A1 - Gebhard, M A1 - Osiewacz, J A1 - Kutter, M A1 - Hilger, A A1 - Arlt, T A1 - Kardjilov, N A1 - Ellendorff, B A1 - Beckmann, F A1 - Markötter, Henning A1 - Luik, M A1 - Turek, T A1 - Manke, I A1 - Roth, C T1 - Development of a Modular Operando Cell for X-ray Imaging of Strongly Absorbing Silver-Based Gas Diffusion Electrodes JF - Journal of The Electrochemical Society N2 - Metal-based gas diffusion electrodes are utilized in chlor-alkali electrolysis or electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide, allowing the reaction to proceed at high current densities. In contrast to planar electrodes and predominantly 2D designs, the industrially required high current densities can be achieved by intense contact between the gas and liquid phase with the catalytically active surfaces. An essential asset for the knowledge-based design of tailored electrodes is therefore in-depth information on electrolyte distribution and intrusion into the electrode’s porous structure. Lab-based and synchrotron radiography allow for monitoring this process operando. Herein, we describe the development of a cell design that can be modularly adapted and successfully used to monitor both the oxygen reduction reaction and the electrochemical reduction of CO2 as exemplary and currently very relevant examples of gas-liquid reactions by only minor modifications to the cell set-up. With the reported cell design, we were able to observe the electrolyte distribution within the gas diffusion electrode during cell operation in realistic conditions. KW - X-Ray imaging KW - Gas diffusion electrodes KW - Operando cell PY - 2022 DO - https://doi.org/10.1149/1945-7111/ac6220 VL - 169 IS - 4 SP - 044508 PB - IOP science AN - OPUS4-55027 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Van Tran, K. A1 - Woracek, R. A1 - Kardjilov, N. A1 - Markötter, Henning A1 - Abou-Ras, D. A1 - Puplampu, S. A1 - Förster, C. A1 - Penumadu, D. A1 - Dahlberg, C. F. O. A1 - Banhart, J. A1 - Manke, I. T1 - Torsion of a rectangular bar: Complex phase distribution in 304L steel revealed by neutron tomography JF - Materials & Design N2 - Metastable austenitic stainless steel (304L) samples with a rectangular cross-section were plastically deformed in torsion during which they experienced multiaxial stresses that led to a complex martensitic phase distribution owing to the transformation induced plasticity effect. A three-dimensional characterization of the phase distributions in these cm-sized samples was carried out by wavelength-selective neutron tomography. It was found that quantitatively correct results are obtained as long as the samples do not exhibit any considerable preferential grain orientation. Optical microscopy, electron backscatter diffraction, and finite element modeling were used to verify and explain the results obtained by neutron tomography. Altogether, neutron tomography was shown to extend the range of microstructure characterization methods towards the meso- and macroscale. KW - Neutron tomography KW - Phase distribution KW - Rectangular cross-section KW - Torsion KW - Geometrical effect PY - 2022 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-561649 DO - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matdes.2022.111037 SN - 0264-1275 VL - 222 SP - 111037 PB - Elsevier Ltd. AN - OPUS4-56164 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Zhang, Z. A1 - Dong, K. A1 - Mazzio, K. A. A1 - Hilger, A. A1 - Markötter, Henning A1 - Wilde, F. A1 - Heinemann, T. A1 - Manke, I. A1 - Adelhelm, P. T1 - Phase transformation and microstructural evolution of CuS electrodes in solid-state batteries probed by in situ 3D X-ray tomography JF - Advanced Energy Materials N2 - Copper sulfide shows some unique physico-chemical properties that make it appealing as a cathode active material (CAM) for solid-state batteries (SSBs). The most peculiar feature of the electrode reaction is the reversible formation of μm-sized Cu crystals during cycling, despite its large theoretical volume change (75%). Here, the dynamic microstructural evolution of CuS cathodes in SSBs is studied using in situ synchrotron X-ray tomography. The formation of μm-sized Cu within the CAM particles can be clearly followed. This process is accompanied by crack formation that can be prevented by increasing the stack pressure from 26 to 40 MPa. Both the Cu inclusions and cracks show a preferential orientation perpendicular to the cell stack pressure, which can be a result of a z-oriented expansion of the CAM particles during lithiation. In addition, cycling leads to a z-oriented reversible displacement of the cathode pellet, which is linked to the plating/stripping of the Li counter electrode. The pronounced structural changes cause pressure changes of up to 6 MPa within the cell, as determined by operando stack pressure measurements. Reasons for the reversibility of the electrode reaction are discussed and are attributed to the favorable combination of soft materials. KW - Copper sulfide KW - Crack evolution KW - Digital volume correlation KW - Phase transformation KW - Solid-state batteries PY - 2022 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-564577 DO - https://doi.org/10.1002/aenm.202203143 IS - 2203143 SP - 1 EP - 12 PB - Wiley VHC-Verlag AN - OPUS4-56457 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Ziesche, R.F. A1 - Hack, J. A1 - Rasha, L. A1 - Maier, M. A1 - Tan, C. A1 - Heenan, T.M.M. A1 - Markötter, Henning A1 - Kardjilov, N. A1 - Manke, I. A1 - Kockelmann, W. A1 - Brett, D.J.L. A1 - Shearing, P.R. T1 - High-speed 4D neutron computed tomography for quantifying water dynamics in polymer electrolyte fuel cells JF - Nature Communications N2 - In recent years, low-temperature polymer electrolyte fuel cells have become an increasingly important pillar in a zero-carbon strategy for curbing climate change, with their potential to power multiscale stationary and mobile applications. The performance improvement is a particular focus of research and engineering roadmaps, with water management being one of the major areas of interest for development. Appropriate characterisation tools for mapping the evolution, motion and removal of water are of high importance to tackle shortcomings. This article demonstrates the development of a 4D high-speed neutron imaging technique, which enables a quantitative analysis of the local water evolution. 4D visualisation allows the time-resolved studies of droplet formation in the flow fields and water quantification in various cell parts. Performance parameters for water management are identified that offer a method of cell classification, which will, in turn, support computer modelling and the engineering of next-generation flow field designs. KW - Neutron imaging KW - Tomography KW - Polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell PY - 2022 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-545978 DO - https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-022-29313-5 VL - 13 IS - 1 SP - 1616 PB - Nature Publishing Group UK CY - London AN - OPUS4-54597 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER -