Multiphysics fracture modeling of batteries across length scales aiming for increasing lifetime and charging capacity

Significant deformations develop in lithium-ion batteries electrodes during cycling, resulting in cracks leading to decreased capacity and battery lifespan. The understanding of why, where and how these cracks develop and grow is limited.

We use multiphysics multiscale numerical models to study crack mechanisms in real battery electrodes, supported by synchrotron X-ray CT crack experiments. We study the electro-chemo-mechanical fracture behavior of the active particles, the mechanical behavior of the carbon-binder composite, and their interactions with a current collector. The microstructural evolution at different cycling rates and electrode compositions are analyzed, whilst also considering the voltage range.

The project increases the understanding of battery cracking and its dependency on electrode morphology, particle positions and electrochemical cycling, and open for a design change of the electrode microstructure to increase batteries capacity and lifespan.