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Journal of the Electrochemical Society, Vol.163, No.6, A838-A845, 2016
Neutron Tomography and Radiography on a Sodium Metal Halide Cell under Operating Conditions
Here we present a neutron tomography and in-situ radiography study on a sodium metal halide cell with mixed Fe/Ni chemistry during charge and discharge at 280 degrees C. The neutron tomography data visualizes the cathode containing porous wick, Ni current collector and partly filled macro pores. Upon charging, the appearance of the cathode changes drastically. More macro pores appear due to material transport, especially in the porous wick above 12 cm cell height. Qualitative estimation shows almost no changes in macro pore volume during Fe oxidation and an increase during Ni oxidation in accordance with trends expected from calculations. Spatially resolved neutron diffraction data collected along the height of the cell shows that despite different appearance of upper and lower part at 100% SOC, the cell is fully charged and electrolyte is present at all heights. Thus, the differences in tomography are attributed to morphology differences of the Ni-Fe conductive network and redistribution of electrolyte in the macro pores, the rest of the cathode being well immersed in electrolyte. Difference images of neutron tomography data at different SOCs picture the reaction front of metal chloride formation and show its progress is faster along the cell diagonal than at the concave areas of the beta''-alumina tube. (C) 2016 The Electrochemical Society. All rights reserved.