Material characterisation of batteries with water-based electrolyte

Purpose

RISE can perform different methods to investigate and help improve the quality of materials within batteries with water-based electrolyte. These batteries include but are not limited to nickel metalhydrid (NiMH), lead-acid, nickel-cadmium and zinc-based chemistries.

We specialise in studying the impact the harsh battery electrolyte environments has on the battery components such as the electrode material, casing of active material, current collectors, external casing, binders, and separators.

We provide detailed electrochemical, chemical, and structural analysis to highlight how the properties and mechanisms, such as corrosion, of a material limit battery performance and cause ageing.

Method

Material characterisation is either made on fresh materials intended to be used in the batteries or post-mortem analysis, i.e., on materials harvested from cycled cells and packs. Our facilities also enable controlled metallic and polymer material exposure in water-based electrolytes.

To assess the corrosion resistance of the metallic components, electrochemical techniques, EIS, PDP, and SVET, are available. Localised chemical analysis with FTIR and nano-IR are offered either separately or combined with these techniques to characterize surface chemistry such as type of precipitated corrosion products. Microscopy techniques, AFM (available with nano-IR) and SEM, are available for detailed exploration of the morphology of for instance active materials, coatings or corrosion attacks.

Aside from experimental techniques, we also offer physics-based modelling to investigate further how material quality and degradation is connected to battery cell behaviour in terms of voltage and current output, and available capacity over time.

Deliveries

We deliver the results to you as desired, analysed and written in a report.