Following lithiation fronts in paramagnetic electrodes with in situ magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging

Li-ion batteries are invaluable for portable electronics and vehicle electrification. A better knowledge of compositional variations within the electrodes during battery operation is, however, still needed to keep improving their performance. Although essential in the medical field, magnetic resonance imaging of solid paramagnetic battery materials is challenging due to the short lifetime of their signals. Here we develop the scanning image-selected in situ spectroscopy approach, using the strongest commercially available magnetic field gradient. We demonstrate the 7Li magnetic resonance spectroscopic image of a 5 mm-diameter operating battery with a resolution of 100 μm. The time-resolved image-spectra enable the visualization in situ of the displacement of lithiation fronts inside thick paramagnetic electrodes during battery operation. Such observations are critical to identify the key limiting parameters for high-capacity and fast-cycling batteries. This non-invasive technique also offers opportunities to study devices containing paramagnetic materials while operating.