Nondestructive Detection of Metallic Li Deposition in a Li-ion Battery by Muon Beam.

Elemental analysis with muonic x-rays is one of the analytical methods to identify elements non-destructively. Since the energy of the muonic x-rays is almost 200 times higher than one of the fluorescent x-rays, light elements such as lithium can be identified. We have applied this technique to detection of metallic lithium deposition in a Li-ion battery, which prevents from promoting the recovery and reuse of used batteries. Since the capture ratio of muon by lithium in metallic lithium is enormously higher than one in anode, it is possible to detect metallic lithium with high sensitivity by the technique. This technique is being developed to be also used in factories and yards during the industrial processes with portable accelerators for muons, which will promote the recovery and reuse of Li-ion batteries in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]