Distortion-free inside-out imaging for rapid diagnostics of rechargeable Li-ion cells

Significance Rechargeable batteries can pose severe risks due to their flammable components in combination with high energy density. These challenges motivate the development of advanced battery screening techniques capable of rapid battery assessment. MRI, a broadly accepted method in the healthcare industry, has been adapted for materials chemistry and energy storage research. A quantitative MRI approach based on 3D phase encoding bypasses the hurdles associated with strongly magnetic components that are common in modern batteries (e.g., iPhone models). The reported technology is virtually distortion-free and shows a high sensitivity to mechanical defects and the chemical state of the electrodes. This approach may enable industrial quality control applications with a high temporal resolution and may aid in battery development and monitoring.