Energy

Lithium-oxygen batteries could one day supersede the widely used lithium-ion batteries because, in theory, their energy density is 10 times higher. However, the technology of lithium-oxygen batteries is not yet ripe for commercial exploitation. Neutrons shed light on possible electrolytes and cathode materials.

Solid-state batteries are considered a key technology for the future: they can store more energy and do not rely on flammable materials like current lithium-ion batteries. Researchers at TUM and TUMint.Energy Research have now taken a significant step towards improving solid-state batteries. They developed a new material made of lithium, antimony and scandium that conducts lithium ions more than 30% faster than any previously known material. Dr. Anatoliy Senyshyn, head of the structural research group at the MLZ and instrument scientist at SPODI, also helped with this work.

When charged, the graphite anode in a Li-ion battery (LIB) can be exposed to temperature- driven changes, causing structural degradation and negatively affecting its performance. X-rays and neutrons help to reveal the underlying processes behind these changes.

An international research team has characterized a new material, which could be applied to separate deuterium from hydrogen. Deuterium is for example needed as fuel in fusion reactors.

Lithium-ion batteries are essential for modern devices, so researchers continuously work on safer and more efficient alternatives. A research team led by Argonne National Laboratory (DOE) and Dr. Neelima Paul and Dr. habil Ralph Gilles from the Heinz Maier-Leibnitz Zentrum (MLZ) revealed key insights into solid electrolytes for solid-state batteries. Neutron diffraction experiments played a central role in this. Their findings could lead to safer, more energy-efficient batteries.

An international team led by Dr Alexander Mutschke has produced a completely new compound with boric acid and hydrogen and elucidated its structure with the help of neutrons. The borate hydride could be used in fuel cells, luminescent materials or catalysis in the future.

Battery capacity loss is among the biggest brakes in e-mobility and the industry. A research team from FRM II and other institutions is now validating a method that can be used to determine the distribution of elements in the anode of a battery and, thus, better understand aging.

Fusion research reactors require heat-resistant wall materials. Researchers have investigated a promising candidate with neutrons at the MLZ.