Multinuclear MR and MRI study of lithium-ion cells using a variable field magnet and a fixed frequency RF probe

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Lithium-ion batteries are crucial for energy storage.
• Developing advanced characterization techniques is essential for battery research.
• Multinuclear magnetic resonance (MR) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offer detailed insights into battery materials.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the application of a variable field magnet approach for multinuclear MR and MRI of lithium-ion batteries.
• To demonstrate the feasibility of using ⁷Li, ¹⁹F, and ¹H measurements for battery analysis.
• To explore faster and simpler methods for data acquisition and interpretation in battery MR/MRI.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a variable field superconducting magnet with a fixed frequency parallel-plate radiofrequency (RF) probe.
• Adjusted magnetic field to match resonance frequencies of ⁷Li, ¹⁹F, and ¹H to the fixed RF probe frequency (33.7 MHz).
• Examined two cartridge-like lithium-ion cells (graphite anode, NMC cathode): one pristine and one charged to 4.2 V.

Main Results:

• Successfully performed multinuclear MR and MRI measurements on lithium-ion battery cells.
• Demonstrated the potential of the variable field magnet approach for detailed battery analysis.
• Acquired data from both pristine and charged battery states.

Conclusions:

• The variable field magnet approach is highly promising for multinuclear MR/MRI of lithium-ion batteries.
• This technique can lead to more efficient methods for detecting, quantifying, and interpreting battery MR/MRI data.
• Opens new avenues for advancing battery diagnostics and research.