REGALES
REal-Time Gas Analysis for Longevity, Efficiency & Stability in Electrochemical Energy Systems
The decarbonization of energy systems is a global priority that necessitates the development of high-performance, durable, and intrinsically safe electrochemical technologies. Across a wide range of devices, including lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries, water electrolyzers, and CO₂/N₂ reduction cells, the evolution of gaseous species is a key indicator of ongoing interfacial reactions that govern efficiency, stability, and degradation.
Gas release may reflect desired electrochemical pathways, such as hydrogen or oxygen evolution, but can also signal undesired side reactions, parasitic electrolyte decomposition, or emerging failure modes. Despite its diagnostic value, real-time detection and quantification of gas evolution during operation remain major technical challenges.
REGALES project proposes developing and implementing an advanced Operando Electrochemical Mass Spectrometry (OEMS) platform capable of detecting and quantifying trace gas species with parts-per-million or even parts-per-billion level sensitivity. This system will enable continuous, time-resolved monitoring of interfacial processes, allowing a direct correlation between gas evolution, electrochemical performance, and degradation pathways. Through this approach, REGALES aims to reveal fundamental mechanisms, mitigate degradation, and extend the operational lifetime and safety of next-generation energy storage and conversion devices.
A key innovation of this project is the development of an OEMS system that can be directly connected to real devices (for example different battery formats). We also have the ambition to transform it into a more versatile, doubly operando OEMS platform that combines gas analysis with additional sensing methods already available in our labs (see Figure), such as optical fiber techniques e.g., optical calorimetry or IR sensing for spectroscopic analysis, acoustic emission (AE) for mechanical probing, and even piezoelectric sensors (EQCM) for gravimetric measurements.
Through REGALES, we aim to provide the energy storage/conversion community in Île-de-France with an advanced, easy-to-use operando tool to better understand and optimize interfacial chemistry in sustainable electrochemical systems.
