Probing events in a working battery means we are studying it in operando, in scientific terms. There is nothing mysterious about these words, they simply mean the battery is working at the time. If we opened the case to look inside, we could interfere with the chemistry. Operando analysis avoids this by probing what is happening inside the case, viewed from outside.
Why We Need to Probe a Battery From Outside the Case
Technology Networks confirms that most batteries operate outside their stability range in ‘extreme thermodynamic conditions’. This is why we can damage them permanently, if we open their cases while they are working. The chemicals could also burn us, so this type of post mortem analysis is a job for experts.
Fortunately, scientists have a middle-of-the-road alternative they call in situ analysis. Again, there is nothing mysterious about this term. It simply means that everything is still in its original position. However, this method is not the same as observing the battery while it is working normally, which is what we are trying to do.
Probing events in a working battery in operando mode involves observing it from outside its case, using techniques a little like x-rays. The initial challenge is to find a way to see through the metal cases common to battery cells. After that, scientists can examine the microscopic detail, using several different methods.
Techniques to Probe a Working Battery From Outside
Differential Electrochemical Mass Spectrometry
Differential Electrochemical Mass Spectrometry analyzes the gaseous side-products that arise during various cell conditions.
Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy
Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy assesses various chemical compounds inside a battery, using an infrared beam.
Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy detects radio-frequency electromagnetic signals from atomic nuclei within molecules.
However, none of these techniques is universally successful on all battery types. Therefore research often involves several people with special skills. No doubt artificial intelligence will also play an increasing role in probing events in working batteries.
More Information
Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy & Batteries
NMR Battery Spectroscopy Role In Research
