Multi-scale Failure Behavior of Cathode in Lithium-ion Batteries Based on Stress Field

doi:10.15541/jim20210777

Abstract

Abstract:

Lithium-ion batteries are widely used as energy storage and dynamic power, while the capacity life of battery is one of the key factors affecting its further application. The electrochemical-mechanical multi-field coupling effect of the lithium-ion batteries during the cyclic charging and discharging process cause the damage accumulation for the electrode materials, thereby deteriorates the mechanical stability of the electrode materials, leading to multi-scale damage to the electrode materials, ultimately declining the battery life. In this study, the multi-scale failure behavior of LiNi_xCo_yMn_zO₂(NCM) cathode materials were summarized through our previous research, and the experimental and simulation analysis method for studying the damage of electrode material are introduced systematically, to provide reference for selecting damage analysis methods at different scales. In addition, the failure mechanisms of NCM cathode materials at the scale of active particles and electrode coating were studied in-depth based on combination of experimental and simulated analysis, including electrochemical experimental of lithium-ion batteries, extended finite element method (XFEM), linear matching method (LMM) framework. The research work provides important guidance for the mechanism analysis of multi-scale failure behavior and microstructure modification of electrode materials.

Key words: lithium-ion battery, cathode, stress field, multi-scale failure, life degradation

CLC Number:

TM911

CHEN Ying, LUAN Weiling, CHEN Haofeng, ZHU Xuanchen. Multi-scale Failure Behavior of Cathode in Lithium-ion Batteries Based on Stress Field[J]. Journal of Inorganic Materials, 2022, 37(8): 918-924.

Figures/Tables 8

Fig. 1 Multi-scale damage of NCM523 after electrochemical cycles (a) In-particle cracks; (b) Particle breakage; (c) Large cracks in electrode material; (d) Delamination between active material and current

Fig. 2 Schematic illustration of active particle during the lithiation/ delithiation process

Fig. 3 Crack initiation and propagation of active particle of diameter of 3 μm under the current density of 0.37 A/m2[17] (a) Lithiation process; (b) Delithiation process. The variable STATUSXFEM presents the status of element, and it varies 0 (non-damage status) or 1 (completely cracked)

Fig. 4 Integrated fracture criteria diagram for NCM particles[17]

Fig. 5 SEM images of NCM cathode after cyclic charging- discharging test Different magnification SEM images showing the cracks in the big or small paticles

Fig. 6 (a) Schematic illustration of electrode during the lithiation/ delithiation process, whereby NCM active layer being coated on the Al current collector, and (b) boundary condition and the load applied to electrode during the lithiation stage[20]

Fig. 7 Shakedown and ratcheting limit curves of NCM material with varying thickness of 10, 20 and 30 µm[20]

Fig. 8 (a) Contour map of plastic strain range and ratcheting strain of NCM active layer of 20 µm thickness for load point (1,1) and (b) picture of NCM cathode before (left) and after (right) cyclic charging-discharging test[20]

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