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Stochasticity at Scales Leads to Lithium Intercalation Cascade
Aashutosh Mistry1, Kandler Smith2, Partha P Mukherjee1
1School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|March 14, 2020
Summary
Microstructural variations in porous intercalation electrodes, crucial for lithium-ion batteries, can lead to uneven lithium distribution. This study reveals how these complex electrode features influence lithium intercalation dynamics.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Battery Technology
Background:
- Porous intercalation electrodes are key components in lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles.
- These electrodes have complex, multi-scale microstructures with inherent variability.
- The impact of this microstructural inhomogeneity on lithium intercalation is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize microstructural variability in porous intercalation electrodes.
- To investigate the influence of these stochastic features on lithium intercalation dynamics.
- To understand the electrochemical response related to microstructural inhomogeneity.
Main Methods:
- Utilized three-dimensional (3D) X-ray tomograms to analyze electrode microstructures.
- Characterized the geometrical features and variability across different length scales.
- Performed physics-based analysis of electrochemical response.
Main Results:
- Quantified the microstructural variability within porous intercalation electrodes.
- Demonstrated that stochastic geometrical features significantly impact lithium distribution.
- Identified the formation of preferential lithiation fronts due to microstructural inhomogeneity.
Conclusions:
- Microstructural inhomogeneity in porous intercalation electrodes directly affects lithium intercalation.
- Preferential lithiation fronts can arise from the complex electrode geometry.
- Understanding these dynamics is crucial for optimizing lithium-ion battery performance.
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