In battery research, effective parameter identification and performance optimization are critical for advancing future battery systems. A promising non-destructive analysis method is computed tomography (CT), which offers high-resolution, three-dimensional insights into internal battery structures. CT enables the examination of key parameters, such as cathode thickness, anode overhang, and structural integrity, without damaging the batteries.
However, CT imaging is constrained by physical limitations: resolution decreases as battery size increases. This poses a challenge as the trend toward larger batteries, designed for higher energy density with less housing material, makes maintaining high-resolution imaging more difficult. Consequently, crucial details necessary for accurate parameter identification and defect analysis may be obscured.
To address these challenges, this work analyzes the relationship between CT resolution and the identification of specific parameters and defects in batteries of varying sizes. We can optimize CT imaging techniques for modern battery research by determining the necessary resolutions for effective analysis.
We will present sample CT images highlighting questionable design choices that may exacerbate battery aging, demonstrating how specific structural features or manufacturing defects can lead to accelerated degradation over time. These insights can guide cell design and manufacturing process improvements and enhance battery longevity and performance. This discussion emphasizes the potential and limitations of CT imaging in the context of larger batteries.