New study reveals first fundamental insights into ion transport mechanisms
Results may contribute to the future development of more efficient battery types
Paderborn University, Hans-Georg Steinrueck
A spatial and temporal comprehension of ion transport
“It is important to gain a better understanding of ion transport in order to develop new conductors and thus improve the performance of individual appliances or even complete technologies. Even mechanisms in membrane filters and biochemical processes in the human body can be better understood. Until now predictions could only be based on models that applied a continuum. These provide a schematic replication of events on a macro level. There are no analyses that consider the relationship between the temporal and spatial dispersion of ions at a microscopic level. This, however, is essential for simulating ion behaviour in systems or technological appliances,” Steinrueck explains.
New energy storage materials
The Paderborn Chemist and his team hope to pave the way for environmentally-friendly energy storage: “Knowledge of transport mechanisms is vitally important because this information enables us to develop new electrolyte and electrode materials. The power and safety of an electrochemical cell, such as the ion battery or fuel cell can thereby be predicted with much greater accuracy”, Steinrueck continues.
Spatial resolution of ion speed
The international research team is employing a pioneering approach using “operando spectroscopy”, an analytical methodology which simultaneously relates the spectroscopic characterization of materials with their electrochemical activity measurements. This combines synchrotron x-rays and macroscopic observations of transport phenomena. Steinrueck summarizes: “Not only have we coupled multiple measurement techniques, but we have also incorporated simulations into the analyses. We believe that our method can be applied to various ion conducting materials. To our knowledge, we have produced the first spatial resolutions of ion movement in an electrochemical system.” Steinrueck is confident that this method can be implemented in the future development of new ion batteries and fuel cells and thus contribute to achieving the goal of carbon neutrality. The research may also potentially lead to a deeper understanding of biochemical processes.
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Topic World Spectroscopy
Investigation with spectroscopy gives us unique insights into the composition and structure of materials. From UV-Vis spectroscopy to infrared and Raman spectroscopy to fluorescence and atomic absorption spectroscopy, spectroscopy offers us a wide range of analytical techniques to precisely characterize substances. Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of spectroscopy!
Topic World Spectroscopy
Investigation with spectroscopy gives us unique insights into the composition and structure of materials. From UV-Vis spectroscopy to infrared and Raman spectroscopy to fluorescence and atomic absorption spectroscopy, spectroscopy offers us a wide range of analytical techniques to precisely characterize substances. Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of spectroscopy!