A team of scientists from the US, Canada and Germany are tackling one of the largest challenges of our generation — reliable energy storage.

The experts, led by researchers from Texas A&M University, have combined powerful imaging techniques and large data sets to better understand why lithium-ion batteries fail and how they can be improved.

Their innovative approach has brought the team one step closer to solving this complex problem.

"One technical gap that exists today is that we don't really understand fully what's happening at the nanoscale and that's where we've worked closely with a Canadian Light Source to leverage a number of different imaging techniques to investigate further," says David Santos, a 2022 Texas A&M chemistry PhD graduate and former member of Texas A&M chemist Sarbajit Banerjee’s research group.

The team was able to visualise the flaws and map defects that occur within the batteries using the SM beamline at the Canadian Light Source (CLS) — located at the University of Saskatchewan. Their findings were recently published in Patterns.

"The X-ray tools at the Canadian Light Source are great for eavesdropping on the batteries, and the little secret conversations that ions are having and understanding what makes them fail," says Banerjee.

The team is interested in identifying in real time the flaws that occur which would allow them to measure the complex relationship between the battery’s materials, its shape, and the chemical reactions that occur within. Reaching this goal would allow researchers to proactively address design failures.

A battery is kind of like a ceramic coffee mug," says Santos. "If you pour that hot coffee in and out you have thermal changes and over time that can lead to cracks in the mug."

The chemical and mechanical changes that occur during a battery’s lifetime can also lead to flaws — like cracks in the ceramic mug — affecting its longevity.

Santos says that drawbacks that affect a battery’s performance are also linked to safety hazards and have a large impact on the environment. More efficient batteries can help reduce waste and help us transition to a greener grid.

"At the end of the day, building a better battery touches all aspects of sustainability," says Santos."Protected by a comprehensive portfolio of patents, the Vulcan products are technically differentiated, advanced, and applicable to all types of wells. The products are well-positioned to capitalize on Aramco’s direction to drill more complex wells such as offshore gas, HTHP, deviated, and multi-lateral," he adds.

Ian Kirk Vulcan General Manager said: "Vulcan looks forward to this exciting partnership with Sawafi. Its investment will help Vulcan fast-track the company’s growth in keeping with the world’s demand for energy. Our team has always led the way for the last 30 years with its unique designs and technology along with professional after sales service. The Company was founded by a team of industry professionals with extensive careers specialising in designing and manufacturing engineered solutions for the completions market within the global Oil and Gas Industry."