In Situ Measurements of Strains in Composite Battery Electrodes during Electrochemical Cycling

The cyclic stress in lithium-ion battery electrodes induced by repeated charge and discharge cycles causes electrode degradation and fracture, resulting in reduced battery performance and lifetime. To investigate electrode mechanics as a function of electrochemical cycling, we utilize digital image correlation (DIC) to measure the strains that develop in lithium-ion battery electrodes during lithiation and delithiation processes. A composite graphite electrode is cycled galvanostatically (with constant current) in a custom battery cell while optical images of the electrode surface are captured in situ. The strain in the electrode is computed using an in-house DIC code. On average, an unconstrained composite graphite electrode expands 1.41 % during lithiation and contracts 1.33 % during delithiation. These strain values compare favorably with predictions based on the elastic properties of the composite electrode and the expansion of graphite-lithium intercalation compounds (G-LICs). The establishment of this experimental protocol will enable future studies of the relationship between electrode mechanics and battery performance.     

A theory and a simulation capability for the growth of a solid electrolyte interphase layer at an anode particle in a Li-ion battery

A major mechanism for electrochemical aging of Li-ion batteries is the growth of a solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer on the surface of anode particles, which leads to capacity fade and also results in a rise in cell resistance. We have formulated a continuum theory for the growth of an SEI layer—a theory which accounts for the generation of the attendant growth stresses. The theory has been numerically implemented in a finite-element program. This simulation capability for SEI growth is coupled with our previously published chemo-mechanical simulation capability for intercalation of Li-ions in electrode particles. Using this new combined capability we have simulated the formation and growth of an SEI layer during cyclic lithiation and delithiation of an anode particle, and predicted the evolution of the growth stresses in the SEI layer. The evolution of the stress state within the SEI layer and at the SEI/anode-particle interface for spherical- and spheroidal-shaped graphite particles is studied. This knowledge of the local interfacial stresses provides a good estimate for the propensity of potential delamination of an SEI layer from an anode particle.     

In-situ Strain Field Measurement and Mechano-electro-chemical Analysis of Graphite Electrodes Via Fluorescence Digital Image Correlation

Background

Mechano-electro-chemical coupling during the ion diffusion process is a core factor to determine the electrochemical performance of electrodes. However, relationship between the mechanics and the electrochemistry has not been clarified by experiments.

Objective

In this work, we conduct an in situ, visual, comprehensive characterization of strain field and Li concentration distribution to further explore the mechano-electro-chemical relationship.

Methods

The digital image correlation characterized by fluorescent speckle and active optical imaging is developed. Combined with electrochromic-based Li concentration detection, the spatiotemporal evolution of in-plane strain and Li concentration of a graphite electrode during the lithiation and delithiation processes are measured and displayed visually via a dual optical path acquisition system.

Results

The visual results show that in-plane strain and Li concentration possess a spatially non-uniform gradient distribution along the radial direction (i.e., diffusion path) with large values outside and small values inside, and that both present obvious temporal segmentation. And mechano-electro-chemical coupling analysis reveals that the in-plane strain is not always linearly related to the concentration and infers that a high strain limits the diffusion and lithiation. The strain–concentration evolution exhibits obvious asymmetric differences between lithiation and delithiation, wherein three equations are fitted to approximately represent the evolution process between in-plane strain and concentration during the lithiation and delithiation processes

Conclusions

This work overcomes the difficulties of fine strain measurements and collaborative concentration characterization during the electrochemical process, and provides an effective experimental method and data support for further exploration of mechano-electro-chemical coupling.

     

Real-Time Stress Measurement in SiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> Thin Films during Electrochemical Lithiation/Delithiation Cycling

Oxide coatings have been shown to improve the cyclic performance of high-energy density electrode materials such as Si. However, no study exists on the mechanical characterization of these oxide coatings. Here, thin film SiO₂ electrodes are cycled under galvanostatic conditions (at C/9 rate) in a half-cell configuration with lithium metal foil as counter/reference electrode, with 1 M LiPF₆ in ethylene carbonate, diethyl carbonate, dimethyl carbonate solution (1:1:1, wt%) as electrolyte. Stress evolution in the SiO₂ thin film electrodes during electrochemical lithiation/delithiation is measured in situ by monitoring the substrate curvature using a multi-beam optical sensing method. Upon lithiation SiO₂ undergoes extensive inelastic deformation, with a peak compressive stress of 3.1 GPa, and upon delithiation the stress became tensile with a peak stress of 0.7 GPa. A simple plane strain finite element model of Si nanotube coated with SiO₂ shell was developed to understand the mechanical response of the core-shell type microstructures under electrochemical cycling; measured stress response was used in the model to represent SiO₂ constitutive behavior while Si was treated as an elastic-plastic material with concentration dependent mechanical properties obtained from the literature. The results reported here provide insights and quantitative understanding as to why the highly brittle SiO₂ coatings are able to sustain significant volume expansion (300%) of Si core without fracture and enhance cyclic performance of Si reported in the literature. Also, the basic mechanical properties presented here are necessary first step for future design and development of durable Si/SiO₂ core shell structures or SiO₂-based electrodes.     

Diffusion induced stresses in buckling battery electrodes

Highly networked nanostructured battery electrode materials offer the possibility of achieving both rapid battery charge–discharge rates and high storage capacity. Recently, lithium ion battery (LIB) electrodes based on a 2-D honeycomb architecture were shown to undergo remarkable and reversible morphological changes during the lithiation process. Charge–discharge rates in 3-D composite electrode have also been shown to benefit from sandwiching the electrolytically active material between highly conductive ion and electron transport pathways to reduce electrical resistance and solid-state diffusion lengths. In the present work we simulate and analyze the observed morphological changes in honeycomb electrodes, with and without the presence of conductive pathways, during the lithiation–delithiation process. Diffusion induced stresses are analyzed for such structures undergoing elastic–plastic deformation during cycling. The results show that such a periodic, nanostructured electrode geometry allows for the presence of buckling-like deformation modes, which effectively reduce the resulting mechanical stresses that lead to electrode failure.     

Lithiation-enhanced charge transfer and sliding strength at the silicon-graphene interface:A first-principles study

The application of silicon as ultrahigh capacity electrodes in lithium-ion batteries has been limited by a number of mechanical degradation mechanisms including fracture, delamination and plastic ratcheting, as a result of its large volumetric change during lithiation and delithiation. Graphene coating is one feasible technique to mitigate the mechanical degradation of Si anode and improve its conductivity. In this paper, first-principles calculations are performed to study the atomic structure, charge transfer and sliding strength of the interface between lithiated silicon and graphene. Our results show that Li atoms segregate at the(lithiated) Si-graphene interface preferentially, donating electrons to graphene and enhancing the interfacial sliding resistance. Moreover, the interfacial cohesion and sliding strength can be further enhanced by introducing single-vacancy defects into graphene.These findings provide insights that can guide the design of stable and efficient anodes of silicon/graphene hybrids for energy storage applications.     

Cyclic plasticity and shakedown in high-capacity electrodes of lithium-ion batteries

Of all materials, silicon has the highest capacity to store lithium, and is being developed as an electrode for lithium-ion batteries. Upon absorbing a large amount of lithium, the electrode swells greatly, with a volumetric change up to 300%. The swelling is inevitably constrained in practice, often leading to stress and fracture. Evidence has accumulated that the swelling-induced stress can be partially relieved by plastic flow, and that electrodes of small feature sizes can survive many cycles of lithiation and delithiation without fracture. Here we simulate a particle of an electrode subject to cyclic lithiation and delithiation. A recently developed theory of concurrent large swelling and finite-strain plasticity is used to co-evolve fields of stress, deformation, concentration of lithium, and chemical potential of lithium. We identify three types of behavior. When the yield strength is high and the charging rate is low, the entire particle deforms elastically in all cycles. When the yield strength is low and the charging rate is high, the particle (or part of it) undergoes cyclic plasticity. Under intermediate conditions, the particle exhibits the shakedown behavior: part of the particle flows plastically in a certain number of initial cycles, and then the entire particle remains elastic in subsequent cycles. We discuss the effect of the three types of behavior on the capacity and the electrochemical efficiency.     

Electroelastic analysis for a piezoelectric layer with surface electrodes

An electroelastic analysis of a transverse isotropic piezoelectric layer with surface electrodes is made. The piezoelectric layer is infinite long along the poling direction, and the top surface is perfectly bonded to a rigid electrode. The problem is solved via the conformal mapping technique for two cases of elastic boundary conditions on the bottom surface with two spaced electrodes, and the distribution of the electrostatic field in the entire piezoelectric layer is determined in an explicit analytic form, respectively. It is found that for the bottom surface electrodes with vanishing stiffness, the induced strain is singular, but no stress. Instead, for the bottom electrodes with stiffness as infinity, the induced stress is singular, but no strain.     

Lithium-storage properties of SiO2 nanotubes@C using carbon nanotubes as templates

Silica-based anode material is the most concerned material at present, which has the advantages of good cycle stability, high theoretical specific capacity and abundant reserves. However, silica suffers from inherent low conductivity, severe volume expansion effect and low initial coulombic efficiency, which limits its application in lithium-ion batteries. Nanotubes structure can mitigate the volume expansion during lithiation/delithiation. In this article, silica nanotubes (SNTs) were prepared using carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as a template, and then the uniform carbon layer was coated on their surface by carbonization of citric acid. The hollow structure of nanotubes provides more sites for the insertion of Li⁺ during lithiation and additional channels for Li⁺ migration in the cycles, which improves the electrochemical performance. Conductivity can be enhanced by coating carbon layer. The specific capacity of the composite material is about 650 mAh g⁻¹ at 0.1 A g⁻¹ after 100 cycles. With a specific capacity of 400 mAh g⁻¹ even at 1 A g⁻¹ after 100 cycles. The silica-based material is a competitive anode material for lithium-ion batteries.     

Microwave-hydrothermal preparation of a graphene/hierarchy structure MnO2 composite for a supercapacitor

Graphene/hierarchy structure manganese dioxide (GN/MnO₂) composites were synthesized using a simple microwave-hydrothermal method. The properties of the prepared composites were analyzed using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements. The electrochemical performances of the composites were analyzed using cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectrometry (EIS), and chronopotentiometry. The results showed that GN/MnO₂ (10 wt% graphene) displayed a specific capacitance of 244 F/g at a current density of 100 mA/g. An excellent cyclic stability was obtained with a capacity retention of approximately 94.3% after 500 cycles in a 1 mol/L Li₂SO₄ solution. The improved electrochemical performance is attributed to the hierarchy structure of the manganese dioxide, which can enlarge the interface between the active materials and the electrolyte. The preparation route provides a new approach for hierarchy structure graphene composites; this work could be readily extended to the preparation of other graphene-based composites with different structures for use in energy storage devices.     

Pressure-sensitive plasticity of lithiated silicon in Li-ion batteries

Lithiation-induced plasticity is a key factor that enables Si electrodes to maintain long cycle life in Li-ion batteries. We study the plasticity of various lithiated sili-con phases based on first-principles calculations and iden-tify the linear dependence of the equivalent yield stress on the hydrostatic pressure. Such dependence may cause the compression-tension asymmetry in an amorphous Si thin film electrode from a lithiation to delithiation cycle, and leads to subsequent ratcheting of the electrode after cyclic lithiation. We propose a yield criterion of amorphous lithi-ated silicon that includes the effects of the hydrostatic stress and the lithiation reaction. We further examine the micro-scopic mechanism of deformation in lithiated silicon under mechanical load, which is attributed to the flow-defects mediated local bond switching and cavitation. Hydrostatic compression confines the flow defects thus effectively strength-ens the amorphous structure, and vice versa.     

Neutron Diffraction Residual Strain Measurements of Molybdenum Carbide-Based Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Anode Layers with Metal Oxides on Hastelloy X

Thermal spray deposition processes impart residual stress in layered Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC) materials and hence influence the durability and efficiency of the cell. The current study which is the first of its kind in published literature, reports results on using a neutron diffraction technique, to non-destructively evaluate the through thickness strain measurement in plasma sprayed (as-sprayed) anode layer coatings on a Hastelloy®X substrate. Through thickness neutron diffraction residual strain measurements were done on three different anode coatings (Mo-Mo₂C/Al₂O₃, Mo-Mo₂C/ZrO₂ and Mo-Mo₂C/TiO₂) using the vertical scan mode. The three anode coatings (developed through optimised process parameters) investigated had porosities as high as 20%, with thicknesses between 200 μm to 300 μm deposited on 4.76 mm thick Hastelloy®X substrate discs of 20 mm diameter. The results showed that while the through thickness residual strain in all three anodes was dissimilar for the investigated crystallographic planes, on average it was tensile. Other measurements include X-ray diffraction, nanoindentation and SEM microscopy. As the anode layer microstructures are complex (includes bi-layer alternate phases), non-destructive characterisation of residual strain, e.g. using neutron diffraction, provides a useful measure of through thickness strain profile without altering the stress field in the SOFC electrode assembly.     

CFRP-混凝土界面粘结的疲劳性能试验研究

外贴FRP是重要的混凝土结构加固技术,但目前对外贴FRP加固混凝土结构的疲劳性能研究尚不充分,尤其对FRP-混凝土粘结界面的疲劳退化规律和破坏模式的研究更为缺乏。本文采用双面剪切试件,通过2个静载试件和4个疲劳试件的试验研究,考察了粘结长度和胶层厚度等因素对FRP-混凝土界面粘结疲劳性能的影响。通过分析沿粘结长度的FRP应变分布在疲劳循环过程中和疲劳后静载过程中的变化情况,讨论了不同粘结长度和粘结胶层厚度条件下的粘结界面疲劳退化规律和疲劳后静载性能。试验结果表明:胶层树脂-混凝土粘结界面是发生疲劳剥离破坏的薄弱环节;胶层厚度增大时,由于疲劳引起的界面损伤累积发展显著减小,疲劳后静载中胶层厚度较大试件的粘结承载力也更大;粘结长度增大时,界面粘结呈现更为明显的损伤退化,但由于试验粘结长度小于有效粘结长度,疲劳后的静粘结承载力仍更大。     

Three-Dimensional Study of Graphite-Composite Electrode Chemo-Mechanical Response using Digital Volume Correlation

A custom built reusable cell for in situ lithiation and mechanical deformation studies while in an X-ray tomograph was demonstrated, and the strain and volume changes of a composite graphite anode were computed from 3D X-ray microcomputed tomography data via Digital Volume Correlation (DVC). The test anode was a composite electrode comprised of a porous compliant matrix, graphite as the Li⁺ host material, 5-μm ZrO₂ marker particles for use with DVC, and active carbon black to enhance electrical conductivity. The composite electrodes were hot-pressed to control their porosity, and in turn the mechanical integrity of the resulting material. This composite anode was included in a half-cell and lithiated in situ while in a tomograph, and intermittent 3D data were collected at different lithiation levels up to full gravimetric capacity. Strain measurements by DVC demonstrated relatively uniform expansion of the freestanding electrode with average normal strains in the three directions varying by 20%, while the internal shear strains were found to be negligible. The average experimental strains were about 75% of the theoretical value, as estimated by the rule of mixtures, which implies that ~25% of the normal strains in graphite, due to lithiation, are accommodated by the surrounding matrix.     

Microwave-hydrothermal preparation of a graphene/hierarchy structure MnO2 composite for a supercapacitor

Graphene/hierarchy structure manganese dioxide （GN/MnO2） composites were synthesized using a simple microwave-hydrothermal method. The properties of the prepared composites were analyzed using field emission scanning electron microscopy （FE-SEM）, X-ray diffraction （XRD）, transmission electron microscopy （TEM）, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy （XPS） measurements. The electrochemical performances of the composites were analyzed using cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectrometry （EIS）, and chronopotentiometry. The results showed that GN/MnO2 （10 wt% graphene） displayed a specific capacitance of 244 F/g at a current density of 100 mA/g. An excellent cyclic stability was obtained with a capacity retention of approximately 94.3% after 500 cycles in a 1 mol/L Li2SO4 solution. The improved electrochemical performance is attributed to the hierarchy structure of the manganese dioxide, which can enlarge the interface between the active materials and the electrolyte. The prepa- ration route provides a new approach for hierarchy structure graphene composites; this work could be readily extended to the preparation of other graphene-based composites with different structures for use in energy storage devices.     

Balancing particle properties for practical lithium-ion batteries

As a state-of-the-art secondary battery, lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have dominated the consumer electronics market since Sony unveiled the commercial secondary battery with LiCoO₂ as the negative electrode material in the early 1990s. The key to the efficient operation of LIBs lies in the effective contact between the Li-ion-rich electrolyte and the active material particles in the electrode. The particle properties of the electrode materials affect the lithium ion diffusion path, diffusion resistance, contact area with the active material, the electrochemical performance and the energy density of batteries. To achieve satisfied comprehensive performance and of LIBs, it is not only necessary to focus on the modification of materials, but also to balance the properties of electrode material particles. Therefore, in this review, we analyze the influence of particle properties on the battery performance from three perspectives: particle size, particle size distribution, and particle shape. A deep understanding of the effect and mechanism of particles on electrodes and batteries will help develop and manufacture practical LIBs.     

The microarc operating regime of MHD generator electrodes

The preliminary results of an investigation of the operation of MHD generator electrodes at relatively high current densities are reported. The experiments were conducted in the channel of a MHD generator, driven by combustion products, with both cooled metal and silicon carbide electrodes. Observation and photographs of the electrodes revealed that at sufficiently high currents microarcs appear at the electrode surface. The phenomenological aspects of arc behavior under conditions characteristic of MHD generator operation are examined. The electrode-insulator interface has an important influence on arc behavior, as does the film of potassium compounds deposited on the electrode surface. These characteristics of the microarcs may be of considerable significance in relation to electrode erosion processes.Translated from Zhurnal Prikladnoi Mekhaniki i Tekhnicheskoi Fiziki, Vol. 11, No. 1, pp. 130–134, January–February, 1970.     

固液界面的力?电?化学耦合及在电催化体系中的应用

目前许多新型高效金属催化剂在设计制备中都考虑到表面力学因素, 例如层状结构、核壳结构等, 其表面高活性原子受到不同程度的应变作用. 应变可直接改变金属的能带带隙, 对催化剂表面的电化学反应产生显著影响, 是一种有效提升材料催化活性的新思路和制备高性能催化剂的新途径, 因此受到了科研工作者的广泛关注. 传统的材料应变工程手段存在着活性物质层的应变值难以精确定量, 并缺少实时调控以及制备工艺繁琐等难题, 导致应变与电催化活性相关性规律识别方面的理论和实验研究进展缓慢. 相比于传统的材料手段, 交变载荷产生的应变具有幅值和频率的可变性以及连续的调控性, 在实验中可以完全排除噪声、缺陷、空位、基底效应等其他外部或材料本征的影响因素. 该综述从经典固液界面热力学表述出发, 简要介绍了电催化体系中的力?电?化学耦合效应, 归纳总结目前电催化体系中应变施加的实验手段和分析方法, 并基于目前相关研究着重讨论在交变载荷作用下应变对金属表面电催化反应的作用机理, 最后从力学角度展望了表面力学在电催化体系中的研究重点及发展趋势.      

Open-pore LiFePO4/C microspheres with high volumetric energy density for lithium ion batteries

LiFePO₄/C microspheres with different surface morphologies and porosities were prepared from different carbon sources. The effects of the surface morphology and pore structure of the microspheres on their electrochemical properties and electrode density were investigated. The electrochemical performance and electrode density depended on the morphology and pore structure of the LiFePO₄/C microspheres. Open-pore LiFePO₄/C microspheres with rough surfaces exhibited good adhesion with current collectors and a high electrode density (2.6 g/cm³). They also exhibited high performance in a half cell and full battery with a high volumetric energy density.     

Experimental investigation of cathode spots on metallic electrodes protruding in plasma flow

The behavior of cathode spots on metallic electrodes is investigated. The dependence of the basic characteristics of the spots (current per spot, life time, rate of displacement, average area and so forth) on the nature of the flow of the plasma past the surface of the electrode, the surface temperature of the electrode, the total current in the electrode, and the magnetic field is obtained. The investigations were done in connection with the study of the operation of electrodes of open cycle magnetohydrodynamic generators. The experiments were conducted with copper electrodes introduced in the plasma formed by the combustion products of natural gas with potassium added to it.