Mechanics-based design of lithium-ion batteries: a perspective

From the overall framework of battery development, the battery structures have not received enough attention compared to the chemical components in batteries. The mechanical-electrochemical coupling behavior is a starting point for investigation on battery structures and the subsequent battery design. This perspective systematically reviews the efforts on the mechanics-based design for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Two typical types of mechanics-based LIB designs, namely the design at the preparation stage and that at the cycling stage, have been discussed, respectively. The former systemizes the structure design of multiscale battery components from the particle level to the cell level. The latter focuses on the external mechanics-related control, including external pressures and charge-discharge protocols, of in-service LIBs. Moreover, the general problems currently being faced in the mechanics-based LIB design are summarized, followed by the outlook of possible solutions.