Open-Source CFD Elucidating Mechanism of 3D Pillar Electrode in Improving All-Solid-State Battery Performance

All-solid-state batteries (ASSBs) have become an important technology because of their high performance and low-risk operation. However, the high interface resistance and low ionic conductivity of ASSBs hinder their application. In this study, a self-developed electrochemical model based on an open-source computational fluid dynamics platform is presented. The effect of contact area reduction at the electrode/solid-state electrolyte interface is investigated. Then, a new conceptual 3D structure is introduced to circumvent the existing barriers. The results demonstrate that the discharge time is shortened by over 20% when the area contact ratio reduces from 1.0 to 0.8 at 1 C-rate, owing to the increased overpotential. By adopting the new 3D pillar design, the energy density of ASSBs can be improved. However, it is only when a 3D current collector is contained in the cathode that the battery energy/power density, capacity, and material utilization can be greatly enhanced without being limited by pillar height issues. Therefore, this work provides important insight into the enhanced performance of 3D structures.