In-situ XRCT imaging of lithium ion battery anodes during lithiation/delithiation cycles

In the context of novel anode materials for lithium-ion batteries, SiOx/C composites attained commercial acceptance by providing a better energy density. But they still lag in terms of cycling life due to the volumetric expansion on charge/discharge. Our team develops discrete element method (DEM) based mechanical/electrochemical coupled predictive models through which the design of the battery can be optimized. By using synchrotron source XRCT, microscale morphological transformations can be studied. A high resolution is necessary for the tracking of particle relative displacements and the retrieval of electrode phases. Physical hypotheses of our existing DEM models will be verified and optimized with the help of XRCT results providing insights into the estimation of binder damage and electrical network connectivity. This predictive model can be a crucial element in the development of battery technologies.