Researchers at the University of Surrey have developed advanced microdevices that allow scientists to see inside batteries as they operate — a breakthrough that could transform how we design, test and recycle sustainable energy storage systems.
For the first time, scientists can observe chemical and structural changes within a working battery in real-time, helping them understand why batteries lose power, overheat or fail.
The technology enables analysis at the nanoscale — monitoring surface morphology, interfacial composition, atomic-level mass changes and gas formation during charge and discharge cycles.
Led by Dr Kai Yang, Lecturer in Energy Materials and Nanotechnology at Surrey’s Advanced Technology Institute (ATI), the research aims to build safer, longer-lasting and faster-charging batteries for electric vehicles, renewable energy storage and public transport.
“Batteries power everything from smartphones to electric vehicles but what happens at the tiny interfaces inside them, where chemical reactions take place, has long remained a mystery,” said Dr Yang.
“These hidden zones are critical to how well a battery performs, how long it lasts and how safe it is. Our research focuses on unlocking and controlling these invisible interfaces.”
The team has also created a series of “mini lab-on-a-chip” systems to rapidly test new materials and designs, reducing the time and resources needed for development.
Professor Ravi Silva, Director of the ATI, added: “Until now, batteries of all sizes have been seen as black boxes; we can measure the output from the outside but cannot see what is happening inside.
“These breakthroughs allow us to not only peek inside but also fine-tune performance based on the application. It fits in well with the University of Surrey’s net zero ambitions and global clean energy transition.”
Scientists unveil tools to build safer, greener, longer-lasting batteries appeared first on Energy Live News.