In situ neutron radiography of lithium-ion batteries during charge/discharge cycling

Commercial, prismatic lithium-ion cells, type ICP-340848 (Renata AG, Switzerland), were investigated using neutron radiography. The measurements revealed that an excess of electrolyte initially present in the cell was consumed after first cell charging and solid electrolyte interphase formation. In situ neutron radiography of the lithium-ion cells during the first charge/discharge cycles showed a displacement of such excess electrolyte owing to volume changes of the electrode assembly as well as to an evolution of gases in the first charging cycle.