3D microstructure design of lithium-ion battery electrodes assisted by X-ray nano-computed tomography and modelling

• DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-15811-x
• Publication Date: 2020-04-29T10:03:17Z
• Authors: Xuekun Lu; Antonio Bertei; Donal P. Finegan; Chun Tan; Sohrab R. Daemi; Julia S. Weaving; Kieran B. O’Regan; Thomas M. M. Heenan; Gareth Hinds; Emma Kendrick; Dan J. L. Brett; Paul R. Shearing
• Keywords: Tortuosity

Abstract Driving range and fast charge capability of electric vehicles are heavily dependent on the 3D microstructure lithium-ion batteries (LiBs) substantial fundamental research is required to optimise electrode design for specific operating conditions. Here we have developed a full microstructure-resolved model using novel X-ray nano-computed tomography (CT) dual-scan superimposition technique that captures features carbon-binder domain. This elucidates how LiB performance markedly affected by microstructural heterogeneities, particularly under high rate The elongated shape wide size distribution active particles not only affect transport but also lead heterogeneous current non-uniform lithiation between along through-thickness direction. Building these insights, propose compare potential graded-microstructure designs next-generation battery electrodes. To guide manufacturing architectures, in-situ CT shown reliably reveal porosity tortuosity changes with incremental calendering steps.