Solid-state battery high-temperature CT imaging device

Abstract

The utility model discloses a solid-state battery high-temperature CT imaging device which comprises an optical outer shell, a pre-pressurization assembly and an outer pressurization assembly, and the pre-pressurization assembly is installed in the optical outer shell and can pressurize a solid-state battery material; the external pressurizing assembly is installed outside the optical outer shell and can be connected with the pre-pressurizing assembly. A heating body and a pressure detection body are arranged at the bottom of the optical outer shell. According to the in-situ testing device, the small and portable in-situ testing device is designed, and through a novel structural design and an optimized scheme, parts such as a temperature adjusting part, an X-ray transmitting window and a battery outer shell are effectively combined together to serve as an optical outer shell to achieve the function of the in-situ testing device; meanwhile, the temperature and pressure adjusting function of the solid-state battery in the charging and discharging process is achieved by combining heating, pressurization and pressure online detection, in-situ CT imaging can be achieved in the high-temperature environment, and the problem that in traditional battery research, structural data are lacked at the high temperature is solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of solid-state battery technology, and specifically to a solid-state battery high-temperature CT imaging device. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of portable electronic devices, electric vehicles, and large-scale energy storage systems, the demand for batteries with high energy density, high safety, and long lifespan is increasing. However, traditional lithium-ion batteries have certain limitations in terms of energy density, safety, and cost, thus all-solid-state batteries have attracted widespread attention as a potential new battery technology. However, the performance of all-solid-state batteries is affected by changes in their internal microstructure during operation. This is because all-solid-state battery materials include solid electrolytes, electrode materials, and complex interface structures. These structures change during charging and discharging due to chemical reactions and volume changes, such as the formation of cracks, interface separation, or deformation. These microstructural evolutions directly affect the battery's ion conductivity, cycle stability, and safety.

[0003] Therefore, in-situ online characterization technology is crucial in the research of all-solid-state batteries. CT imaging characterization technology not only provides three-dimensional spatial resolution, enabling real-time imaging of internal structural changes and capturing the physical and chemical changes of materials under actual operating conditions, but also allows for real-time observation of interface changes, identification and location of adverse reactions, thus providing direct evidence for improving material and structural design. Therefore, the application of in-situ CT imaging characterization in all-solid-state battery research not only helps scientists more accurately reveal the dynamic evolution of materials and interfaces, laying a data foundation for improving the stability, safety, and energy density of all-solid-state batteries, but is also a key tool for promoting the development of all-solid-state battery technology.

[0004] Meanwhile, considering the changes in the physical and chemical properties of electrode materials and solid electrolytes in solid-state batteries at different temperatures, such as ionic conductivity, material expansion and contraction, temperature variations can alter interfacial contact, affecting ion transport and overall battery performance. Therefore, researchers need to observe these changes under controlled temperature conditions to gain a deeper understanding of solid-state battery performance and failure mechanisms. Furthermore, the electrochemical reaction rate in solid-state batteries is significantly affected by temperature. Higher temperatures can generally accelerate the reaction process, but may also lead to material degradation or enhanced side reactions, impacting battery life. Using in-situ CT devices with temperature regulation, researchers can observe the progress of electrochemical reactions and their impact on structure at different temperatures, thus helping to optimize material and battery design. In addition, the failure mechanisms of solid-state batteries are often closely related to temperature. For example, material decomposition, interfacial aging, or the development of microcracks may be more pronounced at higher temperatures.

[0005] Therefore, in-situ CT imaging at different temperatures allows for real-time observation of internal battery changes, such as the formation and propagation of cracks and voids, thus aiding in understanding and predicting battery failure paths. In solid-state battery research, the introduction of in-situ CT testing devices with temperature and pressure regulation capabilities is crucial. This is because such devices allow researchers to observe and record internal structural changes in solid-state batteries in real-time under simulated operating conditions (including temperature variations), leading to a deeper understanding of the battery's working mechanism and potential failure mechanisms. This is significant for designing more stable and efficient solid-state batteries and provides crucial data support for developing solid-state batteries suitable for various applications.

[0006] While existing technologies in solid-state battery research, especially in-situ CT testing, have brought significant progress, they still have some drawbacks and limitations, including the following aspects:

[0007] 1. Limitations of Temperature Control: Although some in-situ CT equipment has temperature regulation capabilities, the range and accuracy of temperature control are often limited. For example, maintaining a stable temperature environment at extreme high or low temperatures can become difficult. Furthermore, temperature changes can introduce the effect of thermal expansion of materials, which may affect the accuracy of CT imaging.

[0008] 2. Pressure monitoring during charging and discharging: The scanning process of in situ CT usually takes a certain amount of time, which means that it is difficult to provide timely feedback on the pressure during charging and discharging.

[0009] 3. High cost and complex experimental conditions: The in-situ CT testing device and its temperature control system are relatively expensive, and the maintenance and operation costs of the equipment are also high, which limits its popularization in academic research and commercial development. Utility Model Content

[0010] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is: how to overcome the limitations of current in-situ CT testing technology caused by temperature control and pressure detection.

[0011] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this utility model provides the following technical solution:

[0012] A solid-state battery-powered high-temperature CT imaging device, comprising:

[0013] The optical housing is cylindrical, with a light-transmitting section in the middle;

[0014] A pre-pressurization assembly, installed inside the optical housing, is capable of pressurizing the solid-state battery material;

[0015] An external pressurization assembly, installed outside the optical housing, is capable of being connected to a pre-pressurization assembly;

[0016] A heating element and a pressure detection element are provided at the bottom of the optical housing.

[0017] This application presents a compact and portable in-situ testing device. Through a novel structural design and optimization scheme, it effectively integrates components such as temperature regulation, X-ray transmission window, and battery casing into an optical casing to achieve its function. It also combines heating, pressurization, and online pressure detection to achieve temperature and pressure regulation of solid-state batteries during charging and discharging. This device enables in-situ CT imaging in high-temperature environments, overcoming the lack of structural data at high temperatures in traditional battery research.

[0018] As a further embodiment of this invention, the optical housing is made of graphite or a light element metal.

[0019] As a further aspect of this utility model, the wall thickness of the light-transmitting part of the optical housing is less than 3mm.

[0020] As a further embodiment of this utility model: the pre-pressurization assembly includes an upper pressure support, a lower pressure support, and an insulator located between the two. The insulator is installed in the middle of the interior of the optical housing. The upper pressure support is installed from the top of the optical housing, and the lower pressure support is installed from the bottom of the optical housing.

[0021] As a further embodiment of this utility model: a sealing nut is installed between the upper pressure support and the optical housing, and a sealing ring is also provided below the sealing nut and between the upper pressure support and the optical housing.

[0022] As a further embodiment of this invention, the insulator is made of boron nitride or silicon carbide.

[0023] As a further embodiment of this utility model: the external pressure assembly includes an upper support plate connected to the upper pressure support member and a lower support plate connected to the lower pressure support member. The upper support plate and the lower support plate are connected by a support rod, and the upper part of the support rod connected to the upper support plate is provided with a thread.

[0024] As a further embodiment of this utility model, the upper support plate and the lower support plate are made of high-strength stainless steel or tungsten carbide.

[0025] As a further embodiment of this utility model: an embedded heating groove is provided at the bottom of the optical housing, and the heating element is installed in the heating groove.

[0026] As a further embodiment of this invention, the heating element is a heating resistance wire or a heating metal wire.

[0027] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0028] First, this application designs a small and portable in-situ testing device. Through a novel structural design and optimization scheme, it effectively combines components such as temperature regulation, X-ray transmission window and battery casing into an optical casing to realize its function. At the same time, it combines heating, pressurization and online pressure detection to realize the temperature and pressure regulation function of solid-state battery during charging and discharging.

[0029] This application enables in-situ CT imaging in high-temperature environments, overcoming the lack of structural data at high temperatures in traditional battery research. The high-temperature CT imaging solid-state battery, through optimized material and structural design, effectively suppresses the interference of high temperatures on CT imaging accuracy, ensuring imaging clarity and data reliability within the actual operating temperature range. Temperature control maintains the battery at its optimal operating temperature during charging and discharging, extending battery life and improving its safety.

[0030] Secondly, the inclusion of pressure monitoring functionality in this application allows researchers to track internal pressure changes in the battery under different charge and discharge states in real time. Pressure is a crucial factor affecting the stability of the solid electrolyte-electrode interface in solid-state batteries. Real-time pressure data helps reveal the mechanical behavior and deformation mechanisms of different materials under operating conditions, thus providing important reference for interface optimization in solid-state batteries.

[0031] In summary, this technology not only has the advantages of real-time and accurate data acquisition, but also achieves precise control of temperature and pressure, making the study of battery behavior under different operating conditions more comprehensive and systematic. This helps to promote the advancement of solid-state battery material and structure design, and provides key technical support for the development of higher-performance solid-state batteries. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the solid-state battery high-temperature CT imaging device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 2 for Figure 1 BB-direction sectional view in the middle;

[0034] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0035] 1. Negative terminal connector; 2. Positive terminal connector; 3. Sealing nut; 4. Support rod; 5. Heating wire interface; 6. Temperature measuring wire interface; 7. Optical housing; 8. Upper support plate; 9. Lower support plate; 10. Upper pressure support; 11. Lower pressure support; 12. PEEK gasket; 13. Sealing ring; 14. Insulator; 15. Heating element; 16. Pressure sensor. Detailed Implementation

[0036] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the embodiments of this utility model. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0037] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 A solid-state battery high-temperature CT imaging device includes a negative electrode connector 1, a positive electrode connector 2, a sealing nut 3, a support rod 4, a heating wire interface 5, a temperature measuring wire interface 6, an optical housing 7, an upper support plate 8, a lower support plate 9, an upper pressure support 10, a lower pressure support 11, a PEEK gasket 12, a sealing ring 13, an insulator 14, a heating element 15, and a pressure sensor 16.

[0038] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The material selection for the optical housing 7 needs to simultaneously meet the characteristics of high X-ray transmittance, machinability, and good thermal conductivity. Therefore, the material selection includes, but is not limited to, graphite or light element metals, such as aluminum alloys and titanium alloys. At the same time, in order to realize the X-ray CT imaging function, the shape of the optical housing 7 needs to be designed as a cylinder, and the cross-sectional view of the optical housing 7 is an overall "I" shaped structure. The smallest position of the middle cross-section of the optical housing 7 is set as the light-transmitting part, and the wall thickness of this part shall not exceed 3mm. Therefore, the optical housing 7 integrates the functions of X-ray transmission, battery housing protection, and heat transfer and conduction.

[0039] Furthermore, an embedded heating groove is formed at the bottom of the optical housing 7, which can be ring-shaped. A heating element 15 is installed within the heating groove, and the heating element 15 achieves its heating function through electrical heating. The key heating component can be a heating resistance wire, Pt wire, W wire, or other commonly used heating metal wires. The heating element 15 can be connected to an external temperature control box, and accurate temperature control is achieved through this externally connected temperature control box.

[0040] Reference Figure 1and Figure 2 The interior of the optical housing 7 is hollow, used to connect the upper pressure support 10, the lower pressure support 11, and the insulator 14, and to pressurize the electrode materials and solid electrolyte powder materials inside. The insulator 14 is located in the middle of the interior of the optical housing 7. The electrode and electrolyte materials required for the all-solid-state battery are added to the middle part of the insulator 14. The insulator material needs to be selected as boron nitride or silicon carbide, which not only serves as insulation but also allows X-rays to pass through. The bottom of the upper pressure support 10 can pass through the top of the optical housing 7 to pressurize the materials inside the insulator 14, while the top of the lower pressure support 11 passes through the bottom of the optical housing 7 and is installed inside the insulator 14, and is installed on the same vertical plane as the upper pressure support 10.

[0041] Furthermore, a sealing nut 3 is provided on the outer side of the upper pressure support 10. The outer side of the sealing nut 3 is threadedly connected to the top of the optical housing 7. By rotating the sealing nut 3, the upper pressure support 10 can be moved up and down inside the optical housing 7. A sealing ring 13 is also provided on the outer side of the upper pressure support 10 and below the sealing nut 3.

[0042] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The upper support plate 8 is located above the optical housing 7, and the lower support plate 9 is located at the bottom of the optical housing 7. Both the upper support plate 8 and the lower support plate 9 adopt a cylindrical design structure. The upper support plate 8 and the lower support plate 9 are arranged in parallel and are connected by two sets of support rods 4. That is, the bottom of the support rod 4 is connected to the lower support plate 9, and the top is threaded. Both ends of the upper support plate 8 pass through the thread, and the upper support plate 8 can be fixed by tightening the thread with a nut. A PEEK washer 12 is provided in the hole where the upper support plate 8 and the support rod 4 are threaded at the top.

[0043] Furthermore, a through hole is provided in the middle of the upper support plate 8, through which the upper pressure support 10 can be connected; a pressure sensor 16 is provided at the bottom of the lower pressure support 11 and is connected to the lower support plate 9. When pressure is applied to the upper pressure support 10 by an external pressure device, the upper support plate 8 is pressure-locked with a nut to realize the battery pressurization function.

[0044] It should be noted that both the upper pressure support 10 and the lower pressure support 11 are made of metal materials that are resistant to high pressure and have low deformation. Material choices include, but are not limited to, high-strength stainless steel and tungsten carbide. The pressure sensor 16 can be a commonly used commercial pressure sensor, with a pressure testing range sufficient to meet the pressure requirements of an all-solid-state battery.

[0045] Reference Figure 1A heating wire interface 5 and a temperature measuring wire interface 6 are provided at a lower position of the optical housing 7. The heating wire interface 5 is connected to the heating element 15, and the other end is connected to an external temperature control box; the temperature measuring wire interface 6 is connected to a temperature measuring device provided on the optical housing 7, and the other end is connected to an external temperature control box.

[0046] Reference Figure 1 The negative terminal 1 is located on the upper pressure support 10, and the positive terminal 2 is located on the lower support plate 9. The negative terminal 1 and the positive terminal 2 can be connected to external battery testing instruments to test the overall charging and discharging behavior of the battery.

[0047] The specific operating principle of this application is as follows:

[0048] First, the electrode material and solid electrolyte powder material to be studied are placed inside the insulator 14 in sequence. Then, the upper pressure support 10 is moved down by rotating the sealing nut 3, so that the powder material is pre-compressed by the upper pressure support 10 and the lower pressure support 11, so that the powder sample is basically formed and confined in the part of the insulator 14.

[0049] Then, the required pressure is applied to the upper pressure support 10 using an external pressurizing device. Once the required pressure is reached, the upper support plate 8 is locked onto the support rod 4 using a locking nut to obtain the expected pressure value. This pressure value can be directly obtained through feedback from a pressure sensor. Afterward, the entire device can be placed on a CT scanner. By connecting an external temperature control component and a battery test piece, the entire device undergoes heating and charge / discharge treatment, while simultaneously acquiring in-situ CT data to analyze the structural changes of the solid-state battery during the charge / discharge process.

[0050] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and are not intended to limit it. Although this utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model.

Claims

1. A solid-state battery-powered high-temperature CT imaging device, characterized in that, include: The optical housing (7) is cylindrical with a light-transmitting section in the middle; A pre-pressurization assembly is installed inside the optical housing (7) and is capable of pressurizing the solid-state battery material; An external pressurization assembly is installed outside the optical housing (7) and can be connected to the pre-pressurization assembly; A heating element (15) and a pressure detection element are provided at the bottom of the optical housing (7).

2. The solid-state battery high-temperature CT imaging device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The optical housing (7) is made of graphite or light element metal.

3. The solid-state battery high-temperature CT imaging device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The wall thickness of the light-transmitting part of the optical housing (7) is less than 3 mm.

4. The solid-state battery high-temperature CT imaging device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pre-pressurization assembly includes an upper pressure support (10), a lower pressure support (11), and an insulator (14) located between them. The insulator (14) is installed in the middle of the interior of the optical housing (7). The upper pressure support (10) is installed from the top of the optical housing (7), and the lower pressure support (11) is installed from the bottom of the optical housing (7).

5. A solid-state battery high-temperature CT imaging device according to claim 4, characterized in that: A sealing nut (3) is installed between the upper pressure support (10) and the optical housing (7), and a sealing ring (13) is also provided below the sealing nut (3) and between the upper pressure support (10) and the optical housing (7).

6. A solid-state battery high-temperature CT imaging device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The insulator (14) is made of boron nitride or silicon carbide.

7. A solid-state battery high-temperature CT imaging device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The external pressure assembly includes an upper support plate (8) connected to the upper pressure support member (10) and a lower support plate (9) connected to the lower pressure support member (11). The upper support plate (8) and the lower support plate (9) are connected by a support rod (4), and the upper part of the support rod (4) connected to the upper support plate (8) is threaded.

8. A solid-state battery high-temperature CT imaging device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The upper support plate (8) and the lower support plate (9) are made of high-strength stainless steel or tungsten carbide.

9. A solid-state battery high-temperature CT imaging device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom of the optical housing (7) is provided with an embedded heating groove, and the heating element (15) is installed in the heating groove.

10. A solid-state battery high-temperature CT imaging device according to claim 9, characterized in that: The heating element (15) is a heating resistance wire or a heating metal wire.

Images