"Unlocking Battery Chemistry: Peltier Effect Reveals Insights into Lithium-Ion Cells"

Researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign have demonstrated a new method for studying the chemical properties of lithium-ion battery cells by utilizing the Peltier effect, which causes heat to flow in response to electric current. By measuring the heat flow and using it to calculate the entropy of the lithium-ion electrolyte, the researchers gained insights into the ions' mobility and their interaction with electrodes, which are crucial factors in battery performance and lifespan. This approach could guide the development of better electrolytes for batteries and improve understanding of the thermodynamics of solid-electrolyte interphase formation, contributing to the design of more stable and long-lasting batteries.