Optical imaging-gas analysis combined device suitable for battery
The optical imaging-gas analysis combined device solves the problem of insufficient real-time monitoring and gas analysis of lithium dendrites during the charging and discharging process of lithium-ion batteries, provides a more comprehensive analysis of battery failure mechanisms, and promotes battery performance optimization.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202520064741.X
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-01-10
- Publication Date
- 2026-01-09
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-01-10
AI Technical Summary
Existing technologies cannot simultaneously achieve optical imaging of lithium dendrites and gas analysis during the charging and discharging process of lithium-ion batteries, resulting in an insufficient analysis of battery failure mechanisms.
An optical imaging-gas analysis combined device was designed, comprising a cell, an adjustable-spacing electrode plate, a gas analysis gas path, and an optical imaging platform, capable of simultaneously performing optical imaging and gas analysis of lithium dendrites.
It enables real-time monitoring of the lithium dendrite growth process and analysis of gas composition, providing more comprehensive data for battery failure mechanism research and helping to optimize electrolyte formulations to improve battery safety and cycle life.
Smart Images
Figure CN223784196U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of battery research technology, specifically to an optical imaging-gas analysis combined device suitable for batteries. Background Technology
[0002] Lithium-ion batteries play an indispensable role in energy storage devices, demonstrating enormous potential, particularly in applications such as consumer electronics and electric vehicles. However, as lithium-ion batteries strive for higher energy density and longer cycle life, their safety and reliability issues have become increasingly prominent. In practical applications, the growth of lithium dendrites is considered one of the key factors affecting the safety and lifespan of lithium-ion batteries, because once dendrites grow and penetrate the separator, they can trigger internal short circuits, leading to battery thermal runaway, and even causing fires or explosions. Therefore, the scientific community has conducted extensive research on the formation process, morphological evolution, and failure mechanisms of lithium dendrites, and has proposed various characterization methods to gain a deeper understanding of this phenomenon and its impact on battery performance.
[0003] Optical imaging, as a non-destructive characterization method, can capture the dynamic changes of the internal structure of a battery in real time, providing intuitive data support for observing the growth process of lithium dendrites. By finely adjusting the resolution, observation angle, and imaging speed of the imaging technology, researchers can obtain detailed morphological changes of the electrode surface and electrolyte interface during battery operation, making optical imaging an irreplaceable tool in lithium dendrite growth research. Especially with the assistance of high-precision imaging equipment such as transmission microscopy and scanning microscopy, the growth rate, morphological characteristics, and interactions with surrounding materials of lithium dendrites have been thoroughly analyzed, providing direct evidence for understanding the kinetics of dendrite growth. However, although optical imaging can reveal the morphology and growth process of dendrites, it is difficult to reflect the complex chemical reactions accompanying dendrite growth, especially the occurrence of side reactions. First, optical imaging is sensitive to morphological changes on the electrode surface, but it is difficult to detect electrolyte decomposition and other chemical side reactions accompanying dendrite growth. In addition, single optical imaging is difficult to resolve the chemical information of gas components, which makes it impossible to monitor the generation of different gaseous products and their impact on the internal environment of the battery in real time. Current technology lacks dynamic monitoring of gas generation and diffusion, resulting in an incomplete analysis of battery failure mechanisms. At the same time, relying solely on optical imaging makes it difficult to determine the specific types of side reactions and the chemical composition of gaseous products, thus hindering in-depth analysis of dendrite growth processes and the failure paths they induce.
[0004] As dendrites continue to grow, side reactions occur between the electrode material and the electrolyte, leading to electrolyte decomposition and the generation of various gases. The accumulation of these gases not only increases the internal pressure of the battery, causing deformation or even rupture of the encapsulation material, but also exacerbates changes in the internal environment, further accelerating battery failure. Therefore, understanding and monitoring these gas components is crucial for in-depth research into the failure mechanisms of lithium-ion batteries.
[0005] To compensate for the limitations of optical imaging technology in acquiring chemical information, gas analysis technology has emerged. Gas analysis, through methods such as mass spectrometry or gas chromatography, can monitor and analyze the gases generated inside the battery in real time, thereby reflecting the complex electrochemical reaction processes within the battery. As lithium dendrites grow, the electrolyte composition changes, gradually producing various gases such as H2, CO2, and CO. These gaseous components can not only reflect the degree of electrolyte decomposition but also indicate the corrosion status of electrode materials. For example, under high-voltage conditions, electrolyte decomposition may lead to the production of CO2 from carbonate solvents, while during lithium dendrite growth, H2 may be produced through reaction with the electrolyte. Changes in the proportions of these gaseous products can indicate the occurrence and progress of different reactions. Therefore, the combined use of gas analysis technology and optical imaging technology can provide more comprehensive information for studying the complex failure mechanisms of lithium-ion batteries.
[0006] This application addresses this combined technology by designing and developing a novel combined device that can simultaneously realize lithium dendrite optical imaging and gas analysis functions during the charging and discharging process of lithium-ion batteries. Utility Model Content
[0007] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is: how to simultaneously realize the lithium dendrite optical imaging function and the gas analysis function during the charging and discharging process of lithium-ion batteries.
[0008] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this utility model provides the following technical solution:
[0009] An optical imaging-gas analysis coupled device for batteries is placed on an optical imaging platform and includes a cell body and adjustable electrode plates located on both sides of the cell body. The cell body has a sample slot inside. Electrode 1 and Electrode 2 are installed from both sides of the cell body into the sample slot, and the ends of Electrode 1 and Electrode 2 are connected to the corresponding electrode plates. A window for observing the electrodes is provided in the middle of the cell body.
[0010] The pool body is equipped with a gas analysis gas path, and the gas analysis gas path is connected to an external gas analysis device.
[0011] This application can load various batteries into the cell body, place the batteries inside for charging and discharging, and set up a gas analysis gas path inside the cell body to connect to external gas analysis equipment; at the same time, it can be used with an optical imaging platform to perform continuous and long-term in-situ microscopic imaging observation and in-situ analysis of the produced gas; it is used to study the changes in electrochemical reactions on the electrode sheet during the charging and discharging process of the battery, measure the expansion and contraction of active materials, analyze the mechanism of dendrite formation and the composition of the generated gas, etc.
[0012] As a further embodiment of this utility model: the gas analysis gas path includes an inlet and an outlet connected to the sample cell, which are opened on one side of the top of the pool body.
[0013] As a further embodiment of this utility model: the bottom of the pool body is provided with an inlet and an outlet that communicate with the sample tank.
[0014] As a further embodiment of this utility model: the electrode pressure plate includes an electrode pressure plate one and an electrode pressure plate two, wherein the electrode pressure plate one is connected to the end of the electrode one facing away from the pool body; and the electrode pressure plate two is connected to the end of the electrode two facing away from the pool body.
[0015] As a further embodiment of this utility model: the second electrode has a transversely opened optical fiber hole for installing an optical fiber, which can be connected to an optical fiber fixing clip located on the second electrode pressure plate.
[0016] As a further embodiment of this invention, the pool body is made of PTFE or PEEK material.
[0017] As a further aspect of this utility model: the direction of the window is perpendicular to the directions of electrode one and electrode two.
[0018] As a further embodiment of this invention, the window is made of quartz, sapphire, or single-crystal diamond.
[0019] As a further embodiment of this utility model: both electrode one and electrode two are provided with sealing rings, and the two are sealed to the sample groove of the pool body through the sealing rings.
[0020] As a further embodiment of this utility model, the materials of electrode one and electrode two are stainless steel, aluminum alloy, or molybdenum.
[0021] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are:
[0022] 1. This application can load various batteries into the cell body, place the batteries inside for charging and discharging, and set up a gas analysis gas path inside the cell body to connect to external gas analysis equipment; at the same time, it can be used with an optical imaging platform to perform continuous and long-term in-situ microscopic imaging observation and in-situ analysis of the produced gas; it is used to study the changes of electrochemical reactions on the electrode sheet during the charging and discharging process of the battery, measure the expansion and contraction of active materials, analyze the dendrite formation mechanism and the composition of the generated gas, etc.
[0023] 2. This application can monitor the reaction process in real time. Optical imaging can observe changes in the morphology of the electrode surface in real time, such as the growth and dissolution of precipitates, while gas analysis (such as mass spectrometry or gas chromatography) can monitor the formation of gaseous products in real time. This combined approach can dynamically monitor the formation and changes of solid and gaseous products without interfering with the electrochemical process.
[0024] 3. This application can accurately determine reaction pathways, as many electrochemical reactions simultaneously produce gaseous and solid / liquid products. By observing the morphology and distribution of products through optical imaging, and combining this with gas analysis to determine the type and quantity of generated gases, it is possible to better predict and determine electrochemical reaction pathways.
[0025] 4. This application is capable of quantitatively analyzing reaction products. Gas analysis techniques (such as mass spectrometry) typically have high sensitivity and accuracy, enabling the quantitative detection of trace gaseous products, thereby supplementing the deficiencies of qualitative observation through optical imaging. This is particularly important for some complex battery reactions, as quantitative analysis of gaseous products can provide more accurate electrochemical performance data.
[0026] 5. The application of this combined technology in the study of lithium battery failure mechanisms is not limited to observing lithium dendrite growth and side reaction gas generation. It can also help researchers further analyze the stability of different electrolyte formulations. By monitoring the gas generation of different electrolyte formulations during lithium dendrite growth in real time, more stable electrolyte components can be screened out. Especially in the development of high-energy-density lithium metal batteries, with the help of gas analysis technology, effective components that inhibit lithium dendrite growth can be identified, and dendrite growth can be controlled through formulation optimization, thereby improving battery safety and cycle life.
[0027] This application expands the practical value of the combined optical imaging and gas analysis technology, enabling it not only to be applied to basic research but also to provide experimental evidence for the optimization and design of battery formulations. Attached Figure Description
[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the optical imaging-gas analysis combined device for batteries according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0029] Figure 2This is a front view of an optical imaging-gas analysis coupled device for batteries according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0030] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Sectional view along line AA;
[0031] Figure 4 for Figure 2 Sectional view along the BB direction;
[0032] Figure 5 for Figure 2 C-axis sectional view;
[0033] Figure 6 for Figure 2 Sectional view along the DD direction;
[0034] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:
[0035] 1. Electrode pressure plate one; 2. Air inlet; 3. Window; 4. Air outlet; 5. Electrode pressure plate two; 6. Pool body; 7. Liquid inlet; 8. Liquid outlet; 9. Fiber optic fixing clip; 10. Electrode one; 11. Electrode two; 12. Screw. 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 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 An optical imaging-gas analysis coupled device for batteries is disclosed, applicable to the field of battery technology research. Specifically, it includes a cell body 6 and electrode plates 1 and 5 located on the left and right sides of the cell body 6. The electrode plates 1 and 5 are detachably connected between their top and bottom ends and on the upper and lower sides of the cell body 6 via screws 12. A horizontal sample slot is provided inside the cell body 6. Electrodes 10 and 11 are installed from both sides of the cell body 6 into the sample slot. The end of electrode 10 facing away from the cell body 6 is threaded to electrode plate 1, and the end of electrode 11 facing away from the cell body 6 is threaded to electrode plate 5. A window 3 for observing battery operation is provided in the middle of the cell body 6.
[0038] For ease of understanding and description, Figure 1The position of the first electrode plate 1 is on the left, the position of the second electrode plate 5 is on the right, and the other positions are deduced from this. It should be understood that this position setting is only for the convenience of description and understanding and should not be construed as a limitation of this application.
[0039] In order to meet the normal charging and discharging functions of the battery, the battery components such as electrode 10, electrode 21, electrode pressure plate 1, and electrode pressure plate 25 need to be selected with certain hardness, conductivity and good corrosion resistance. Therefore, the material selection includes, but is not limited to, various stainless steels, aluminum alloys, and molybdenum metals, as excellent materials for applying pressure to conduct electricity to the electrode plates.
[0040] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 As the main site of the battery reaction, the cell body 6 also needs to meet the requirements of good chemical resistance and wear resistance to meet the needs of battery electrochemical performance testing. Therefore, it needs to have excellent properties such as insulation, acid and alkali resistance and corrosion resistance. Its material selection includes, but is not limited to, various engineering plastics, such as PTFE and PEEK.
[0041] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The cell body 6 is designed with an optical window 3 that allows visible light to pass through, used for optical imaging during the battery reaction process. The window 3 is perpendicular to the direction of electrode 10 and electrode 21, facilitating observation of lateral changes in the electrodes. The material of the window 3 can be selected from various visible light bands, such as quartz windows, sapphire windows, and single-crystal diamond windows.
[0042] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 In order to further reduce the side reactions generated during battery charging and discharging, an inlet 7 and an outlet 8 for electrolyte replenishment are provided at the bottom of the cell body 6, which are connected to the sample tank and are used to directly connect to an external electrolyte supply source.
[0043] The operation of the battery section can be carried out as follows: place the positive and negative electrode plates into the sample cell 6, separated by a diaphragm. Electrode 10 is connected to electrode pressure plate 1 by threads, and electrode 21 is connected to electrode pressure plate 25 by threads. By tightening the screws on the corresponding electrode pressure plates, pressure (electrode plate pressure ≤ 10 MPa) is applied to the positive and negative electrode plates within a certain range to meet the testing requirements of solid-state and liquid batteries.
[0044] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 5This application provides sealing rings on electrode 10 and electrode 21, which are used to complete the test of the battery requiring a protective atmosphere by side sealing with the cell body 6; the cell body 6 has an inlet 7 and an outlet 8 that are connected to the sample tank of the cell body, which can replenish the electrolyte of the battery and drive away the bubbles generated during the test.
[0045] Reference Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 6 To further meet the gas analysis requirements of the battery during charging and discharging, a dedicated gas path for gas flow is provided inside the battery body. An inlet 2 and an outlet 4 connected to the sample cell are designed on the cell body. At the same time, flow channels are designed at electrode 10 and electrode 21 to enable the incoming gas to efficiently carry away the generated gas on the electrode plates, so that it enters the carrier gas system of the mass spectrometer from the outlet for analysis.
[0046] Furthermore, in order to sense the temperature and pressure changes of the battery during the charging and discharging process, a 1mm hole is opened inside the second electrode 11, which can be used to install optical fiber to measure the temperature and pressure of the battery. The optical fiber is connected to the optical fiber fixing clip 9 located on one side of the second electrode plate 5.
[0047] Through the above structural design, this optical imaging-gas analysis combined device suitable for secondary batteries can be placed on a microscope to collect data in situ during the battery charging and discharging process, realizing the real measurement and recording of changes in electrochemical reactions on the electrode sheet and the composition of generated gases.
[0048] The specific operating principle of this application is as follows:
[0049] First, loosen and remove the pressure screws fixing window 3 of cell body 6, then remove window 3 and place the positive and negative electrode plates in the sample slot of cell body 6, separated by a diaphragm; then press electrode pressure plate 1 and electrode pressure plate 2 5 by hand to make the electrode plates make tight contact with electrode 1 10 and electrode 2 11, then tighten the screws to install window 3; then inject electrolyte through inlet 7 to complete the battery sample loading. Place the device on the microscope platform and connect inlet 2 and outlet 4 to the mass spectrometer to perform in-situ microscopic imaging observation and analysis of the produced gas during the battery charging and discharging 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 combined optical imaging and gas analysis device for batteries, placed on an optical imaging platform, characterized in that, Includes a pool body (6) and adjustable-spacing electrode plates located on both sides of the pool body (6). The pool body (6) has a sample slot inside. Electrode 1 (10) and electrode 2 (11) are installed in the sample slot from both sides of the pool body (6), and the ends of electrode 1 (10) and electrode 2 (11) are connected to the corresponding electrode plates. A window (3) for observing the electrodes is provided in the middle of the pool body (6). The pool body (6) is provided with a gas analysis gas path, and the gas analysis gas path is connected to an external gas analysis device.
2. The optical imaging-gas analysis coupled device for batteries according to claim 1, characterized in that: The gas analysis gas path includes an inlet (2) and an outlet (4) connected to the sample cell, which are opened on one side of the top of the pool body (6).
3. The optical imaging-gas analysis coupled device for batteries according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom of the pool body (6) is provided with an inlet (7) and an outlet (8) that are connected to the sample tank.
4. The optical imaging-gas analysis coupled device for batteries according to claim 1, characterized in that: The electrode plate includes an electrode plate one (1) and an electrode plate two (5), wherein the electrode plate one (1) is connected to the end of the electrode one (10) facing away from the pool body (6); the electrode plate two (5) is connected to the end of the electrode two (11) facing away from the pool body (6).
5. The optical imaging-gas analysis coupled device for batteries according to claim 4, characterized in that: The second electrode (11) has a transversely opened fiber optic hole for installing an optical fiber, which can be connected to the optical fiber fixing clip (9) located on the second electrode plate (5).
6. The optical imaging-gas analysis coupled device for batteries according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pool body (6) is made of PTFE or PEEK material.
7. The optical imaging-gas analysis coupled device for batteries according to claim 1, characterized in that: The direction of the window (3) is perpendicular to the directions of electrode one (10) and electrode two (11).
8. The optical imaging-gas analysis coupled device for batteries according to claim 1, characterized in that: The window (3) is made of quartz, sapphire, or single-crystal diamond.
9. The optical imaging-gas analysis coupled device for batteries according to claim 1, characterized in that: Both electrode one (10) and electrode two (11) are provided with sealing rings, which are sealed to the sample groove of the pool body (6) through the sealing rings.
10. The optical imaging-gas analysis coupled device for batteries according to claim 1, characterized in that: The materials of electrode one (10) and electrode two (11) are stainless steel, aluminum alloy or molybdenum.