Multifunctional Li(Ni_0.5Co_0.2Mn_0.3) O₂-Si batteries with self-actuation and self-sensing

Abstract

Among anode materials for Li-ion batteries, Si is known for high theoretical capacity, low cost, large volume change, relatively fast capacity fade and significant stress-potential coupling. This article shows that a Li(Ni0.5Co0.2Mn0.3)O2-Si battery can store energy, actuate with Si volume change and sense with stress-potential coupling. Experiments are conducted in an electrolyte-filled chamber with a glass window with [Formula: see text] cathodes and Si composite anodes. The Si anodes are single-side coated on Cu current collector with Si nanoparticles, polyacrylic acid binder and conductive carbon black in a porous composite structure. During charging, the battery stores energy, Li inserts in the cantilevered Si anodes and the cantilevers bend laterally. Discharging the battery releases the stored energy and straightens the Si cantilevers. Imposing deformation on the Si cantilevers at a fixed state of charge causes bending stress in the composite coating and a change in the open circuit potential. Testing at [Formula: see text] confirms that the Si composite responds to dynamic stress variations and with almost no phase lag, indicating the bandwidth of the stress-potential coupling in Si composite anodes is at least [Formula: see text].

Analytical modeling and simulation of a multifunctional segmented lithium ion battery unimorph actuator

“…The experimental setup and protocol are described in [38] and are summarized briefly here. The experiment is reported in [6] and summarized here.…”

“…This assumption is made because the time for lithium to propagate through silicon is at least two orders of magnitude lower than the overall charge time of the battery. The propagation of lithium through a silicon nanoparticle has been reported to be between 0.07 nm s −1 and 3 nm s −1 for particles on the order of tens to hundreds of nanometers in diameter, while the time to fully charge for a C/20 charge rate is 20 h [5,6]. For the 100 nm diameter silicon particles used in the anode coating of the experimental device, for example, the slowest observed reaction front propagation rate of 0.07 nm s −1 would take nearly 0.4 h to fully propagate through the particle [5].…”

Analytical modeling of a multilayer, multimorph lithium-ion battery actuator

“…Multiple active layers are needed to maintain low actuation voltages in piezoelectric and electroactive polymer (EAP) actuators (Ahmed et al, 2017; Chin et al, 2006; Crawley and Anderson, 1990). Recently developed actuators that take advantage of the volume change associated with lithiation of silicon anodes (Ma et al, 2020; Shan et al, 2021; Xia et al, 2019) also need multiple layers to increase energy storage capacity. This paper focuses on the development of an analytical model for the prediction of useful actuator metrics for a multimorph.…”

“…Cannarella et al (2014) investigate the stress-potential coupling of silicon, which is then harnessed in self-sensing experiments conducted by Ma et al (2020). Xia et al (2019) showcase silicon anode-based lithium-ion batteries as a reconfigurable material through both simulation and experiment.…”

“…This self-containment and the ability to be tailored to individual applications necessitate models that allow for the prediction of actuator metrics for widely applicable multilayer geometries. Cannarella et al (2014) investigate the stress-potential coupling of silicon, which is then harnessed in selfsensing experiments conducted by Ma et al (2020). Xia et al (2019) showcase silicon anode-based lithium-ion batteries as a reconfigurable material through both simulation and experiment.…”