Cracking predictions of lithium-ion battery electrodes by X-ray computed tomography and modelling

Journal article

Fracture of lithium-ion battery electrodes is found to contribute to capacity fade and reduce the lifespan of a battery. Traditional fracture models for batteries are restricted to consideration of a single, idealised particle; here, advanced X-ray computed tomography (CT) imaging, an electro-chemo-mechanical model and a phase field fracture framework are combined to predict the void-driven fracture in the electrode particles of a realistic battery electrode microstructure. The electrode is shown to exhibit a highly heterogeneous electrochemical and fracture response that depends on the particle size and distance from the separator/current collector. The model enables prediction of increased cracking due to enlarged cycling voltage windows, cracking susceptibility as a function of electrode thickness, and damage sensitivity to discharge rate. This framework provides a platform that facilitates a deeper understanding of electrode fracture and enables the design of next-generation electrodes with higher capacities and improved degradation characteristics.

Authors: Boyce, AM; Martinez-Paneda, E; Wade, A; Zhang, YS; Bailey, JJ

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Journal: Journal of Power Sources
• Volume: 526
• Article number: 231119
• Publication date: 2022-02-19
• Acceptance date: 2022-02-01
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2022.231119
• EISSN: 1873-2755
• ISSN: 0378-7753
• Language: English
• Keywords: electrode; image-based model; fracture; microstructure; lithium-ion battery; phase field; FFR