Rigid Glassy Carbon Windows for In-Situ Battery Characterization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current X-ray and neutron scattering devices for battery characterization are limited by inconsistent sample preparation, labor-intensive ex-situ analysis, and the inability to perform in-situ measurements on full-size batteries, leading to misleading data and limited cycle testing due to flexible windows that cause pressure disparities and react with battery components.
Innovation Solution
A device with a sample holder and wide-angle X-ray entrance and exit apertures using rigid, electrically conductive glassy carbon windows bonded to electrodes, allowing for continuous in-situ characterization of electrochemical cells during cycling, enabling real-time data collection and maintaining realistic operating conditions for batteries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If flexible thin film windows are used to transmit X-rays, then X-ray transmission is achieved, but inconsistent battery stack pressure and chemical reactions with battery components occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state and mechanical properties of the window material from flexible thin film to rigid glassy carbon, transforming it from a compliant structure to a rigid structure that maintains consistent stack pressure while still transmitting X-rays effectively
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses glassy carbon, a composite material with unique properties combining rigidity, X-ray transparency, and chemical inertness, to create a window that simultaneously achieves pressure consistency and radiation transmission without reacting with battery components
2Use of energy by moving object
If flexible windows are used, then X-ray transmission is enabled, but the windows react with battery components and cause short-circuiting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a chemically inert environment by using glassy carbon windows that do not react with battery components, effectively isolating the battery from harmful chemical interactions while maintaining X-ray transmission capability
Solution Approach 2:
Glassy carbon's composite structure provides both X-ray transparency and chemical inertness, preventing reactions with battery components while allowing radiation to pass through for characterization
3Measurement precision
If ex-situ analysis is performed, then sample characterization is possible, but labor-intensive disassembly and short-circuiting risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by designing the cell with rigid windows and sealed architecture before experimentation begins, enabling in-situ measurements that eliminate the need for subsequent disassembly operations
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid window design allows the cell to maintain its integrity and sealing automatically during cycling, enabling continuous in-situ characterization without requiring external intervention or disassembly for sample recovery
4Adaptability or versatility
If successive samples are used for different spectroscopic methods, then various characterizations are achieved, but sample consistency and data reliability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal platform with rigid windows that supports multiple spectroscopic and scattering methods (XRD, SAXS, WAXS, PDF, XAS) simultaneously on a single battery sample, eliminating the need for successive samples and ensuring data consistency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple characterization capabilities into a single in-situ cell design, allowing all spectroscopic methods to be performed on the same battery sample under identical operating conditions, thereby ensuring sample consistency across different measurements
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables accurate, continuous characterization of battery electrodes throughout their electrochemical cycles, reducing the risk of short-circuiting and ambient reactions, and providing reliable structural information with improved data density, suitable for full-size batteries and stacks.
Implementation Method 1
rigid, electrically conductive glassy carbon windows bonded to electrodes, allowing for continuous in-situ characterization
Implementation Method 2
X-ray and neutron scattering and spectroscopy techniques are common in many fields of science
Implementation Method 3
The scattering of X-rays is described by Bragg's law as follows: nλ=2d sin θ
Implementation Method 4
rigid, electrically conductive glassy carbon windows bonded to electrodes, allowing for continuous in-situ characterization
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a test chamber that can be used to perform a variety of X-ray and neutron spectroscopy experiments including powder diffraction, small-angle scattering, X-ray absorption spectroscopy, and pair distribution functions, such chamber comprising a first electrode with an X-ray transparent window; a second electrode with an X-ray transparent window; a plurality of insulating gaskets providing a hermetic seal around the sample and preventing contact between said first and second electrodes; and an insulating housing into which the first electrode is secured.