A research group led by Professor Junichi Kawamura at Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials (IMRAM), and Yoshiki Iwai, Doctoral student, Tohoku University has first succeeded in tomography imaging of inside of lithium battery by Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) that is used for medical purposes such as photographing interior of the body.

1. The research group of Professor Kawamura has first succeeded in photographing inside of lithium battery by MRI in the process of developing a technology for deterioration diagnosis of lithium rechargeable battery. This study has been entrusted by New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO).

2. The research group has succeeded in MRI image measurements of lithium ion whose sensitivity is too low to be detected, although MRI for medical use detects protons.

3. The research results help diagnose damages or deterioration inside of lithium battery, and develop a technology to improve safety and to prevent deterioration.

4. The research group will present the results at NEDO Meeting for strategic development for practical use of the next-generation storage system at Tokyo International Exchange Center, Odaiba, Tokyo on July 10. 2009.

[Contact]
Professor Junichi Kawamura
Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials (IMRAM), Tohoku University
TEL/FAX: +81 22-217-5344
E-mail: kawajun@tagen.tohoku.ac.jp