Rechargeable batteries play a critical role in the emerging renewable energy landscape. However, they often suffer from the electrochemically induced mechanical degradation in high capacity electrodes, resulting in fast capacity fade and reduced cycle life. Using a nanoscale battery cell inside transmission electron microscope, we made in situ observations of reaction, deformation and fracture in individual nanowire and nanoparticle electrodes. A wide range of novel phenomena were discovered, including the co-lithiation/delithiation of Si/Ge nanowire anodes for Li-ion batteries, degradation of nanoparticle-shell architectures in Li2S cathodes for Li-S batteries, and anomalous growth of Na2O2 nanoparticles for Na-air batteries, etc. We developed continuum and atomistic models to reveal the mechanistic origin of stress generation and mechanical failure in these high capacity electrode materials. The associated simulation results provide insights into the microstructural evolution and degradation in nanoscale building blocks of battery electrodes, and have broad implications for designing the durable electrodes in high performance rechargeable batteries.

<i>In situ</i> electro-chemo-mechanics of electrode degradation in rechargeable batteries

255th National Meeting (2018)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.

In situ electro-chemo-mechanics of electrode degradation in rechargeable batteries