Monitoring lead-acid battery function using operando neutron radiography

Abstract Investigating batteries while they operate allows researchers to track the inner electrochemical processes involved in working conditions. This study describes the first neutron radiography investigation of a lead-acid battery. A custom-designed neutron friendly lead-acid cell and casing is developed and studied operando during electrochemical cycling, in order to observe the activity within the electrolyte and at the electrodes. This experimental work is coupled with Monte Carlo simulations of neutron transmittance. Details of cell construction, data collection and data analysis are presented. This work highlights the potential of neutron imaging for tracking battery function and outlines opportunities for further development.