Researchers have built a computer model that mirrors the real-time state of a functioning battery. This milestone was shared by the communications team at Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden.
Over the past years, engineers have pursued larger, more capable versions of lithium ion batteries. A common line of thought involves replacing the graphite anode with lithium metal. Removing graphite could yield lighter batteries, while lithium metal anodes paired with high capacity cathodes promise three to five times the energy density of today’s cells.
Yet lithium metal batteries face a critical challenge. During charging and discharging, lithium does not always deposit evenly. Filamentous, algae-like microstructures and dendrites can grow, trapping some lithium in inactive regions. In severe cases, dendrites reach the opposite electrode, triggering a short circuit. Understanding when, how, and why these structures form is essential for safe, reliable batteries.
In response, Matthew Sadd and collaborators developed a method to observe the battery cell and lithium deposition in real time through X-ray tomographic microscopy. The resulting data were processed by a computer to create a three dimensional model that appears before the scientists in real time.
According to the team, the experience was striking from the first attempt. They describe watching lithium assemble into needle-like formations as if witnessing a dramatic high-stakes mission. The researchers admit that seeing the inner workings of batteries in real time has been a long-held ambition, and now the capability exists to study these processes directly.
The researchers anticipate that this approach could help curb dendrite formation and advance the development of practical lithium metal batteries with improved safety and performance.
Earlier efforts by engineers included advances in augmented reality technologies such as AR contact lenses.