A new technique to identify the exact electrochemical mechanisms
within batteries and supercapacitors could make it possible to
develop high-performing batteries faster than ever. The method,
reported in Nature Energy, combines optical spectroscopy
and voltammetry to precisely track ion movement and oxidation state
changes during charging and discharging. This gives greater insight
into the complex reactions governing energy storage performance.
The team behind the method, led by
Yury
Gogotsi, PhD, Distinguished University and Charles T.
Bach Professor, tested different electrode-electrolyte systems. They
generated plots matching optical data showing material changes with
current flow during charging and discharging. This let them identify
key mechanisms like redox reactions, where ions trade electrons, and
double-layer charging, which stores energy on material surfaces.
Gogotsi says the method, using widely available equipment, can
rapidly evaluate material interactions and avoid missteps in
designing better batteries and supercapacitors.
“Our method uses optical signals to directly monitor changes in
electrode materials,” said Danzhen Zhang, a doctoral
student on the team. “It helps eliminate inaccuracies encountered
with traditional electrochemical testing.”