In situ investigation of the discharge of alkaline Zn–MnO2 batteries with synchrotron x-ray and neutron tomographies.

Zn–MnO2 alkaline batteries were investigated in situ at different stages of electric discharge by synchrotron tomography with monochromatic x rays and by neutron tomography. The spatial distribution and the changes in the morphology of different components of a battery caused by the reduction of MnO2, the dissolution of Zn, and the nucleation and growth of ZnO are investigated with high spatial resolution around several micrometers with x rays. Neutron tomography is used to monitor the changes in the spatial distribution of hydrogen in the MnO2 matrix and provides complementary information about the process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]