Fracture behavior in battery materials

Abstract

The fracture of battery materials is one of the main causes of battery degradation. This issue is further amplified in emerging solid-state batteries, where the more robust interface between the liquid electrolyte and solid electrode in conventional batteries is replaced by a brittle solid-solid interface. In this review, we summarize the observed fracture behavior in battery materials, the origin of fracture initiation and propagation, as well as the factors that affect the fracture processes of battery materials. Both experimental and modeling analyses are presented. Finally, future developments regarding the quantification of fracture, the interplay of chemo-mechanical factors, and battery lifespan design are discussed along with a proposed theoretical framework, in analogy to fatigue damage, to better understand battery material fracture upon extended cycling.

High Energy Density Single-Crystal NMC/Li6PS5Cl Cathodes for All-Solid-State Lithium-Metal Batteries

“…There was a notable tendency for larger diameter primary particles to undergo intergranular cracking and dis-aggregation of secondary particles because of their more restricted ability to accommodate cycling strains without debonding. 27 …”

Ordered mesoporous metal oxides for electrochemical applications: correlation between structure, electrical properties and device performance

“…Another major advantage of mesoporous materials is their mechanical flexibility. The insertion/extraction of ions into/ from the electrode during electrochemical cycling is usually accompanied by volume changes, [178][179][180][181] often resulting in mechanical degradation (fracturing or even pulverization of the active material). [182][183][184][185][186][187][188] In mesoporous materials, such adverse effects can be mitigated, as mechanical strain is accommodated to some degree by pore flexing.…”

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“…It should however be noted that these materials are extremely rigid such that assembly in a ASSLB is difficult and maintaining the battery structure during operation is very difficult unless low volume expansion electrodes are used and this greatly limits the energy density. 158…”