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 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 - Wu, Y. A1 - Lu, X. A1 - Cho, J.I.S. A1 - Rasha, L. A1 - Whiteley, M. A1 - Neville, T. P. A1 - Ziesche, R. A1 - Kardjilov, N. A1 - Markötter, Henning A1 - Manke, I. A1 - Zhang, X. A1 - Shearing, P. R. A1 - Brett, D. J. L. T1 - Multi-length scale characterization of compression on metal foam flow-field based fuel cells using X-ray computed tomography and neutron radiography N2 - The mechanical compression of metal foam flow-field based polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs) is critical in determining the interfacial contact resistance with gas diffusion layers (GDLs), reactant flow and water management. The distinct scale between the pore structure of metal foams and the entire flow-field warrant a multilength scale characterization that combines ex-situ tests of compressed metal foam samples and in-operando analysis of operating PEFCs using X-ray computed tomography (CT) and neutron radiography. An optimal ‘medium’ compression was found to deliver a peak power density of 853 mW/cm². The X-ray CT data indicates that the compression process significantly decreases the mean pore size and narrows the pore size distribution of metal foams. Simulation results suggest compressing metal foam increases the pressure drop and gas velocity, improving the convective liquid water removal. This is in agreement with the neutron imaging results that demonstrates an increase in the mass of accumulated liquid water with minimum compression compared to the medium and maximum compression cases. The results show that a balance between Ohmic resistance, water removal capacity and parasitic power is imperative for the optimal performance of metal foam based PEFCs. KW - Fuel cell KW - Compression effect KW - Metal foam microstructure KW - Neutron radiography KW - X-ray CT PY - 2021 DO - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enconman.2020.113785 VL - 239 SP - 10 EP - 113785 PB - Elsevier Ltd. AN - OPUS4-53842 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Hilger, A. A1 - Kardjilov, N. A1 - Lange, A. A1 - Kupsch, Andreas A1 - Hentschel, M. P. A1 - Manke, I. T1 - Neutron darkfield imaging of fiber composites N2 - While X-ray based darkfield imaging with grating interferometers is already widely used, darkfield imaging with neutrons has still a relatively small user community focused mostly on magnetic materials. Here, we demonstrate the application of neutron darkfield imaging byTalbot-Lau type grating interferometry to fiber reinforced plastics. Common carbon and glass fiber composites have been investigated including characteristic damage structures. The darkfield images show a strong signal response caused by fiber delamination, suitable fiber direction, particles, pores and cracks. The basic principles of neutron darkfield imaging applied to fiber composites are highlighted. KW - Neutron radiography KW - Darkfield imaging KW - Talbot-Lau interferometer KW - Fiber composites KW - Non-destructive testing PY - 2021 DO - https://doi.org/10.1515/mt-2020-0103 SN - 2195-8572 SN - 0025-5300 VL - 63 IS - 7 SP - 623 EP - 629 PB - De Gruyter CY - Berlin AN - OPUS4-53077 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 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 - 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 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 - Müller, R. A1 - Boenke, T. A1 - Dörfler, S. A1 - Abendroth, T. A1 - Härtel, P. A1 - Althues, H. A1 - Kaskel, S. A1 - Kardjilov, N. A1 - Markötter, Henning A1 - Sintschuk, Michael A1 - Hilger, A. A1 - Manke, I. A1 - Risse, S. T1 - Multimodal Operando Analysis of Lithium Sulfur Multilayer Pouch Cells: An In-Depth Investigation on Cell Component Design and Performance N2 - This study presents an innovative operando analysis of lithium-sulfur (Li/S) multilayer pouch cells, employing a combination of lab-source and synchrotron x-ray imaging to investigate sulfur crystallite dissolution and lithium dendrite formation. By integrating advanced X-ray imaging, impedance spectroscopy, and simultaneous monitoring of temperature and pressure, the research uncovers critical insights into the behavior of active and inactive cell components. The analysis reveals significant degradation increments, primarily driven by side product accumulation and the deterioration of lithium microstructures, which contribute to performance loss over cycling. Additionally, temperature distribution analysis shows a strong correlation between joule heating, polarization resistance, and the observed endothermic processes during crystallization. These findings provide a comprehensive understanding of the mechanistic processes within industrially relevant pouch cells, highlighting opportunities for optimizing Li/S cell designs and advancing high-energy-density battery systems for commercial applications. KW - Current collector perforation KW - Impedance spectroscopy KW - Lthium sulfur batteries KW - Multilayer pouch cells KW - X-ray imaging PY - 2025 DO - https://doi.org/10.1002/aenm.202404256 SP - 1 EP - 12 PB - Wiley VHC-Verlag AN - OPUS4-62436 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Sun, F. A1 - Wang, C. A1 - Osenberg, M. A1 - Dong, K. A1 - Zhang, S. A1 - Yang, C. A1 - Wang, Y. A1 - Hilger, A. A1 - Zhang, J. A1 - Dong, S. A1 - Markötter, Henning A1 - Manke, I. A1 - Cui, G. T1 - Clarifying the Electro-Chemo-Mechanical Coupling in Li10SnP2S12 based All-Solid-State Batteries N2 - A fundamental clarification of the electro-chemo-mechanical coupling at the solid–solid electrode|electrolyte interface in all-solid-state batteries (ASSBs) is of crucial significance but has proven challenging. Herein, (synchrotron) X-ray tomography, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), time-of-flight secondary-ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS), and finite element analysis (FEA) modeling are jointly used to decouple the electro-chemo-mechanical coupling in Li10SnP2S12-based ASSBs. Non-destructive (synchrotron) X-ray tomography results visually disclose unexpected mechanical deformation of the solid electrolyte and electrode as well as an unanticipated evolving behavior of the (electro)chemically generated interphase. The EIS and TOFSIMS probing results provide additional information that links the interphase/electrode properties to the overall battery performance. The modeling results complete the picture by providing the detailed distribution of the mechanical stress/strain and the potential/ionic flux within the electrolyte. Collectively, these results suggest that 1) the interfacial volume changes induced by the (electro)chemical reactions can trigger the mechanical deformation of the solid electrode and electrolyte; 2) the overall electrochemical process can accelerate the interfacial chemical reactions; 3) the reconfigured interfaces in turn influence the electric potential distribution as well as charge transportation within the SE. These fundamental discoveries that remain unreported until now significantly improve the understanding of the complicated electro-chemo-mechanical couplings in ASSBs. KW - All-solid-state batteries KW - Lithium metal batteries KW - Solid electrolytes KW - Sulfide solid electrolytes KW - Synchrotron X-ray tomography PY - 2022 DO - https://doi.org/10.1002/aenm.202103714 SN - 1614-6832 SP - 2103714 PB - Wiley VHC-Verlag AN - OPUS4-54431 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 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 - 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 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 - Al-Falahat, A. A1 - Kardjilov, N. A1 - Markötter, Henning A1 - Kupsch, Andreas A1 - Woracek, R. A1 - Alrwashdeh, S. A1 - Manke, I. T1 - Investigation of detector backlighting and other effects in neutron darkfield images N2 - Neutron imaging can provide unique contrast mechanisms. In order to yield reliable and reproducible attenuation coefficients for quantification, one needs to fully understand and characterize the experimental set-up. One effect that has been largely overlooked in scintillator-camera based neutron imaging systems is the backlight scattering or back illumination in the detection system which can significantly affect the quantification of attenuation coefficients and lead to severe errors and image artifacts. Herein, backlighting is investigated by varying the illuminated detector area and the magnitude of the attenuation. The attenuation coefficient of multiple metal plates was determined by polychromatic neutrons bu the CONRAD V7 instrument. The strength of the back illumination strongly depends upon the sample absorption. While it is relatively moderate (a few percent) for weak absorbing samples, it can be severe when the sample is a strong absorber or thick. KW - Attenuation coefficient KW - Neutron imaging KW - Neutron scattering KW - Polycromatic neutrons KW - Scintillator PY - 2024 SN - 1073-9149 DO - https://doi.org/10.1080/10739149.2024.2380772 SP - 1 EP - 11 PB - Taylor & Francis AN - OPUS4-60752 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Ziesche, R. A1 - Robinson, J. A1 - Kok, M. A1 - Markötter, Henning A1 - Kockelmann, W. A1 - Kardjilov, N. A1 - Manke, I. A1 - Brett, D. A1 - Shearing, P. T1 - Editors’ Choice—4D Neutron and X-ray Tomography Studies of High Energy Density Primary Batteries: Part I. Dynamic Studies of LiSOCl2 during Discharge N2 - The understanding of dynamic processes in Li-metal batteries is an important consideration to enable the full capacity of cells to be utilised. These processes, however, are generally not directly observable using X-ray techniques due to the low attenuation of Li; and are challenging to visualise using neutron imaging due to the low temporal resolution of the technique. In this work, complementary X-ray and neutron imaging are combined to track the dynamics of Li within a primary Li/SOCl2 cell. The temporal challenges posed by neutron imaging are overcome using the golden ratio imaging method which enables the identification of Li diffusion in operando. This combination of techniques has enabled an improved understanding of the processes which limit rate performance in Li/SOCl2 cells and may be applied beyond this chemistry to other Li-metal cells. KW - Nneutron imaging KW - X-ray imaging KW - Tomography KW - Primary Battery PY - 2020 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-515802 DO - https://doi.org/10.1149/1945-7111/abbbbc SN - 1945-7111 VL - 13 IS - 167 SP - 130545 PB - IOP Publishing AN - OPUS4-51580 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Risse, S. A1 - Juhl, A. A1 - Mascotto, S. A1 - Arlt, T. A1 - Markötter, Henning A1 - Hilger, A. A1 - Manke, I. A1 - Fröba, M. T1 - Detailed and Direct Observation of Sulfur Crystal Evolution During Operando Analysis of a Li-S Cell with Synchrotron Imaging N2 - Herein, we present a detailed investigation of the electrochemically triggered formation and dissolution processes of α- and β-sulfur crystals on a monolithic carbon cathode using operando high-resolution synchrotron radiography (438 nm/pixel). The combination of visual monitoring with the electrical current response during cyclic voltammetry provides valuable insights into the sulfur formation and dissolution mechanism. Our observations show that the crystal growth process is mainly dictated by a rapid equilibrium between long-chain polysulfides on one side and solid sulfur/short-chain polysulfides on the other side, which is consistent with previous studies in this field. The high temporal and spatial resolution of synchrotron imaging enables the observation of different regimes during the sulfur formation and dissolution process. The appearance of short-chain polysulfides after the first anodic CV peak initiates a rapid dissolution process of α-sulfur crystals on the cathode. The increase in the long-chain lithium polysulfide concentration at the cathode surface during charge results in an increased crystal growth rate, which in turn produces imperfections in α- and β-sulfur crystals. There are strong indications that these defects are fluid inclusions, which may trap dissolved polysulfides and therefore reduce the electrochemical cell capacity. KW - LiS battery KW - Radiography KW - Synchrotron Imaging PY - 2020 DO - https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpclett.0c01284 VL - 11 IS - 14 SP - 5674 EP - 5679 AN - OPUS4-51100 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Tran, K. V. A1 - Woracek, R. A1 - Kardjilov, N. A1 - Markötter, Henning A1 - Hilger, A. A1 - Kockelmann, W. A1 - Kelleher, J. A1 - Puplampu, S. B. A1 - Penumadu, D. A1 - Tremsin, A. S. A1 - Banhart, J. A1 - Manke, I. T1 - Spectral neutron tomography N2 - Combined three-dimensional (3D) mapping of (micro-)structures with elemental and crystalline phase variations is of significant importance for the characterization of materials. Neutron wavelength selective imaging is a spectral imaging technique that exploits unique contrast differences e.g. for mapping dissimilar elemental, isotope, or phase compositions, and has the particular advantage of being applicable to sample volumes on the meso- and macroscale. While being mostly applied as radiography (2D) so far, we herein report that the extension to tomography allows for the display of the full spectral information for every voxel and in 3D. The development is supported by example data from a continuous as well as a pulsed neutron source. As a practical example, we collected 4D data sets (3D + spectral) of plastically deformed metastable stainless steel and herein demonstrate an improved quantification strategy for crystalline phase fractions. These exemplary results illustrate that localized phase transformations can be quantified even in complex geometries within centimeter-sized samples, and we will discuss the limits and future prospects of the technique that is not limited to crystalline materials. KW - 4D tomographic data KW - Multi-energy CT KW - Spectral CT KW - Phase distribution KW - Full-field phase tomography PY - 2021 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-521668 DO - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mtadv.2021.100132 VL - 9 SP - 132 PB - Elsevier Ltd. AN - OPUS4-52166 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER -