The project “In-situ Study of Electrochemical Optical Technology of Lithium-ion Batteries for Space Applications” has been carried out on the Chinese Space Station, with the astronaut crew jointly conducting experiments on-orbit.
Lithium-ion batteries, due to their high energy density, long cycle life, and high safety and reliability, are the “energy heart” of modern space missions. Current research on lithium-ion battery performance has delved into the microscopic mechanisms, with the distribution of chemical substances within the electrolyte being a core factor determining battery power and lifespan.
However, in ground-based experiments, the gravitational field is always intertwined with the electric field, making it difficult to separately clarify the impact of gravity on internal battery processes. The unique microgravity environment of space provides an ideal experimental field to overcome this research bottleneck, allowing for a purer study of key processes such as ion transport, insertion, and extraction within the battery. However, the microgravity environment also presents new challenges—the behavior of the liquid inside the battery differs significantly from that on Earth, potentially leading to decreased battery performance and increased safety risks.
The project “In-situ Electrochemical and Optical Research of Lithium-ion Batteries for Space Applications” aims to directly observe and analyze the impact mechanisms of the microgravity environment on key internal battery processes, providing strong scientific evidence for improving the efficiency of spacecraft energy systems.
During the experiment, payload specialists, based on scientific judgment, conducted in-situ optical observation experiments of lithium-ion batteries under microgravity conditions. They acquired images of the entire lithium dendrite growth process, precisely adjusted the electrochemical experiments, accurately executed the experimental procedures, monitored the experimental status in real time, and identified and recorded key scientific phenomena. The proactive role of the payload specialists is a crucial guarantee for the project to obtain new phenomena, discoveries, and results.
It is understood that the advancement of this experiment is expected to break through the cognitive bottleneck of the coupling effect between gravitational and electric fields, promote the further development of fundamental electrochemical theories, and provide a basis for optimizing current on-orbit battery systems and designing next-generation high-energy-density, high-safety space batteries.
