Particle Fracture Modelling Within Li-ion Battery Active Materials for Improved Lifetime Determination

Although the effects of battery degradation have been quantified through both destructive and non-destructive tests, for a detailed understanding of the causes of degradation, the development of theory and modelling is required. To this end, surface film growth models to better predict the lifetime of lithium ion batteries have made significant advances in the last 20 years. However, existing models often diverge from real-world data during the cell lifetime. It is proposed that this discrepancy stems from mechanical degradation of the active material. Therefore, there is a need to develop accurate models of this mechanical degradation phenomena to couple with surface film based models to improve the accuracy of cell lifetime models and hence battery performance predictions. Areas of particular research interest include, but are not constrained too:
1. Developing a deep understanding of the causes of battery degradation, specifically the impact of mechanical stresses and fracturing
2. Validating this understanding with advanced electrochemical testing techniques
3. Developing theories which will inform the development of coupled electro-chemical-mechanical-thermal models of battery degradation
4. Developing model based prognostic tools for lifetime predictions