In situ Raman analysis of gas formation in NiMH batteries

Appl Spectrosc. 2005 Jan;59(1):109-14. doi: 10.1366/0003702052940503.

Abstract

In this paper Raman spectrometry is introduced in the field of sealed battery research for in situ gas-phase analysis and for longterm measurements. For this purpose, a new method was successfully applied in order to model battery behavior without interfering with operation. It is shown that oxygen, hydrogen, and nitrogen are responsible for the pressure increase that occurs during overcharging. The relative contribution of the different gases depends on the current imposed on the battery as well as the operating temperature. Reproducible and stable signals could be obtained even under severe conditions such as high pressure and elevated temperature. Oxygen and hydrogen are produced in side reactions taking place during battery operation. However, as nitrogen is unlikely to be a reacting gas inside the battery, the change in its partial pressure can be attributed to electrode expansion and a change in the electrolyte volume.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Evaluation Study
  • Validation Study

MeSH terms

  • Electric Power Supplies*
  • Electrochemistry / instrumentation*
  • Electrochemistry / methods
  • Equipment Design
  • Equipment Failure Analysis / instrumentation*
  • Equipment Failure Analysis / methods
  • Gases / analysis*
  • Gases / chemistry*
  • Hydrogen / analysis
  • Hydrogen / chemistry
  • Nickel / analysis
  • Nickel / chemistry*
  • Nitrogen / analysis
  • Nitrogen / chemistry
  • Oxygen / analysis
  • Oxygen / chemistry
  • Spectrum Analysis, Raman / instrumentation*
  • Spectrum Analysis, Raman / methods

Substances

  • Gases
  • Nickel
  • Hydrogen
  • Nitrogen
  • Oxygen