Revealing mechanistic processes in Na-NiCl2 batteries

With the move to electrify energy distribution in worldwide and with significant interest worldwide in development of "beyond lithium" technologies, there is increasing focus on alternative battery chemistries. One such chemistry is the Na-NiCl2 system with a Nasicon solid electrolyte. In this technology, developed for larger scale energy storage solutions, the cells operate at elevated temperatures, and are supported on a metallic substrate. This morphology presents challenges in undertaking analysis of the key electrochemical processes occurring at, or near, to the electrode/electrolyte interfaces. Using Bragg edge tomography we will be able to reveal key mechanistic processes from a series of pristine, charged and discharged cells that will be correlated with the electrochemical data obtained ex-situ.