Dr. Hassina Z. Bilheux

A Senior Neutron Scattering Scientist at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Bilheux applies advanced imaging techniques in the fields of materials research. According to the DOE in 2010, she, “…led efforts to build instrumentation capable of performing neutron (2D) radiography and (3D) tomography techniques to study lithium-ion batteries.” Sometimes lithium ions get “stuck” in the cathode and fail to return to the anode when a battery is charged, causing the battery to lose capacity. Additionally, needle-like dendrite crystals of lithium can form between the anode and cathode, causing a short that can start a fire. Bilheux was able to create a visualization of lithium ions getting “stuck,” and used 3D tomography to observe the formation of dendrites, helping to find ways to prevent them from occurring.