BATTERIES

Batteries: Primary vs. Secondary

Batteries are energy-storage devices broadly categorized into primary and secondary types. Primary batteries provide a single discharge cycle, while secondary batteries are rechargeable, making them ideal for repeated use.

Li-Ion Batteries: Leading the Charge

Among various battery technologies, Li-ion batteries are at the forefront, thanks to their high operating voltage of up to 5 volts. Emerging technologies like Li-Air promise even higher theoretical capacities. Cyclic Voltammetry plays a crucial role in developing these materials, identifying potential windows, and exploring new electrolytes.

The PARSTAT 3000A: Optimized for Research

The Princeton Applied Research PARSTAT 3000A is designed with a compact form factor, making it ideal for glovebox installation. With BNC connections compatible with glovebox feedthroughs, this potentiostat is perfectly suited for cutting-edge research. The VersaSCAN platform further enhances research capabilities, offering localized techniques to characterize Li-intercalation mechanisms and Solid-Electrolyte Interface (SEI) formation.

Evaluating Secondary Batteries

The goal of secondary battery research is to achieve high cycle-life, efficiency, and energy density. Researchers combine new materials into complete cells, evaluating them through Charge-Discharge experiments. Constant Current – Constant Voltage (CC-CV) techniques ensure a fully charged state by holding the battery at its charge cutoff potential.

Measuring Battery Performance

Key metrics include Capacity vs. Cycle Number and Coulombic Efficiency (Qin/Qout), which quantify a battery’s performance over time. The PARSTATs and VersaSTATS Battery Holders facilitate direct connection to the potentiostat, minimizing stray capacitance and inductance, resulting in cleaner signals and improved lab conditions.

Multichannel Platforms: Efficiency in Research

Given that single cycles can last hours and >1000 cycles may be needed, multichannel platforms like PARSTAT MC (PMC-2000A) offer predictive screening and improved throughput, making them invaluable in research.

State-of-Charge and State-of-Health

Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) is increasingly used to determine a battery’s State-of-Charge and State-of-Health. Princeton Applied Research and Solartron Analytical provide comprehensive tools for these measurements, helping to identify Equivalent Series Resistance (ESR) and other key performance indicators.

Fuel Cell Research

Fuel cells convert chemical energy into electrical energy, offering a clean, continuous power source. Research focuses on improving efficiency and performance across various types, including PEM, SOFC, and emerging technologies. Princeton Applied Research and Solartron Analytical offer solutions like the PARSTAT 3000A-DX bipotentiostat and ModuLab XM ECS, ideal for both materials analysis and complete fuel cell evaluation.

Princeton Applied Research and Solartron Analytical provide the precision tools necessary for advanced research in batteries and fuel cells. Their products, including the PARSTAT 4000A and ModuLab XM ECS, offer unmatched accuracy and versatility for researchers aiming to push the boundaries of energy technology.