Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 2, 2026

Failure Analysis of Batteries Using Synchrotron-based Hard X-ray Microtomography
Published on: August 26, 2015
Visualising the problems with balancing lithium-sulfur batteries by "mapping" internal resistance
Matthew J Lacey1, Kristina Edström1, Daniel Brandell1
1Department of Chemistry - Ångström Laboratory, Lägerhyddsvägen 1, SE-75121 Uppsala, Sweden. matthew.lacey@kemi.uu.se.
Continuous battery internal resistance mapping visualizes cell behavior. This method reveals lithium-sulfur cell failure mechanisms under optimized conditions, enhancing battery diagnostics.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Battery Technology
Background:
- Understanding battery degradation is crucial for extending lifespan.
- Lithium-sulfur batteries offer high energy density but face challenges with stability and failure.
- Current methods for assessing battery health can be time-consuming or lack detailed insights.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a novel method for continuous battery internal resistance measurement.
- To visualize battery cell behavior using resistance "maps" based on capacity and cycle number.
- To investigate cell failure mechanisms in lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing a simple current-interrupt method for frequent internal resistance determination.
- Creating resistance "maps" to track changes in resistance over battery cycling.
- Applying the method to Li-S cells with optimized lithium electrode excesses.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated the ability to visualize dynamic changes in cell resistance.
- Identified specific resistance patterns associated with cell failure in Li-S systems.
- Provided insights into degradation pathways influenced by electrode stoichiometry.
Conclusions:
- Continuous internal resistance mapping is an effective tool for battery diagnostics.
- The developed method aids in understanding and predicting failure in advanced battery chemistries like Li-S.
- Optimizing electrode design can be guided by resistance mapping for improved battery performance and longevity.
More Related Videos
11:25Identification and Quantification of Decomposition Mechanisms in Lithium-Ion Batteries; Input to Heat Flow Simulation for Modeling Thermal Runaway
Published on: March 7, 2022
10:41Three-electrode Coin Cell Preparation and Electrodeposition Analytics for Lithium-ion Batteries
Published on: May 22, 2018
Related Concept Videos
Multiple Voltage Sources
In series, the positive terminal of one battery is connected to the negative terminal of another battery. Hence, the voltage of each battery is added to give the net voltage, which is increased because each battery boosts the electrons that enter it. The same current flows through each battery because they are connected in series.
Batteries are...
Kirchoff's Rules: Application
When applying Kirchhoff's first rule, the junction rule, label the current in each branch and decide its direction. If the chosen direction is wrong, it will have the correct magnitude, although the...
Weak Acid Solutions
Batteries and Fuel Cells
Voltaic/Galvanic Cells
Spontaneous redox reactions occur abundantly in nature. The chemical reaction occurring in a disposable AA battery powering our remote controls is one such example of a spontaneous redox reaction. Another example is the immersion of coiled copper wire into an aqueous silver nitrate solution. The reaction shows a gradual, visually impressive color change from colorless to bright blue and the formation of a grey precipitate on the copper wire. In this experiment,...
Power Dissipated in a Circuit: Problem Solving
The simplest combinations of resistors are series and parallel connections. In a series circuit, the first resistor's output current flows into the second resistor's input; therefore, each resistor's current is the same. Thus, the equivalent resistance is the algebraic sum of the resistances. The current through the circuit can be found from Ohm's law and is equal to the...