Electrochemical cell for total neutron scattering: operando study of Na vs hard carbon batteries. Elucidating structural changes during char

Sodium ion (Na-ion) batteries are receiving a significant amount of attention as a technology for grid scale energy storage. This is due to the large abundance of low cost of materials used in a Na-ion battery relative to those use in Li-ion batteries, as well as their increased safety. However, finding suitable electrode materials for Na-ion batteries is a large challenge. One promising material typically used in Na-ion batteries is “hard carbon”, which can tunably be made from inexpensive biomass sources. In this experiment, we will use the unique capability of the NIMROD instrument at ISIS, in conjunction with a recently developed electrochemical cell, which allows us to look at materials in a battery whilst it charges or discharges. We will do this in order to make a working Sodium / hard carbon battery in order to better understand the mechanism of Sodium storage in hard carbon.