The Nuclear Physics Institute helps improve lithium-ion batteries

04. 02. 2026

The Nuclear Physics Institute of the Czech Academy of Sciences, in cooperation with the Technical University of Munich and the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, is conducting research into processes that influence the behaviour of lithium-ion batteries. Using Prompt Gamma Activation Analysis (PGAA), researchers study how the distribution of electrolyte salt changes inside battery cells and how these changes affect battery safety, performance and lifetime.

How the experiment works
The experiment focuses on studying the distribution of electrolyte salt in lithium-ion batteries during so-called cycling, i.e. repeated charging and discharging. Specially prepared battery cells containing boron in the electrolyte are used for measurements. When irradiated with thermal neutrons, characteristic gamma radiation is produced, the intensity of which makes it possible to monitor salt concentration in different parts of the battery.

Thanks to an automated positioning system, the battery can be scanned step by step in various positions. A laser beam is used to precisely set the initial position of the sample, while the neutron measurement itself is non-destructive and allows researchers to look inside the battery cell without opening it.

Research with practical impact
The first results show that the method is highly sensitive to changes in electrolyte salt distribution and enables comparisons between new and heavily cycled lithium-ion batteries. Uneven electrolyte distribution can lead to faster battery ageing, reduced performance or increased safety risks.

The experiment thus contributes to a better understanding of processes that affect the safety, performance and lifetime of lithium-ion batteries under real operating conditions. The acquired knowledge may support the development of batteries that generate less heat, age more slowly and are safer for everyday use.

The Nuclear Physics Institute helps improve lithium-ion batteries

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