Neutrons at work for BASF
Researchers from the University of Waterloo partnered with BASF, the world’s largest chemical producer, to use neutron scattering to better understand lithium solid-state batteries, a safer and longer-lasting alternative to lithium-ion batteries.
The scientists studied how the structure of the batteries contributes to faster ion conduction through lithium pathways for increased capacity.
Neutrons are ideal for studying lighter elements
Unlike x-rays, neutrons are highly sensitive to light elements, such as lithium, making them ideal for investigating such structures.
Using neutron powder diffraction at Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s (ORNL’s) POWGEN powder diffractometerinstrument—located at ORNL’s Spallation Neutron Source—the researchers were able to clearly highlight the lithium structures due to the instrument’s high resolution combined with the intensity of the neutron beam. By combining their findings from x-ray diffraction and neutron diffraction, the researchers were able to form a complete picture of the structure of these materials.
For more information, see the journal paper at
doi:10.1021/acs.chemmater.7b05108
Contact
Dr. Ke An
Industrial Liaison
kean@ornl.gov
