Mapping out cracks and quantifying strain fields in Li-ion and Na-ion batteries with 3D-XRDCT

Alloyed anodes hold the key to unlocking higher capacity anodes for LIBs and SIBs with liquid electrolytes. This proposal seeks to implement microscale 3D-XRDCT to map cracking and quantify strains fields in Li-ion and Na-ion batteries (LIBs, SIBs) with high capacity alloy anodes such as Sn. Through this work, we will examine bulk and nanoporous-Sb particles in full capillary cells while being lithiated (and sodiated) in operando, to investigate the role that architecture plays in mechanically stabilizing high volume changes in alloy anodes to improve electrical conductivity and cycling performance. By comparing the bulk and nanoporous alloys, we aim to elucidate the role of structural stabilizers such as the NP-SbSn in preventing mechanical failure of the anode, and tie it to behaviour (capacity retention) at the cellular scale.