Mechanical modelling and characterization of batteries
Project description
In a pursue of a lighter, safer, more durable, and higher-capacity battery, solid-state batteries (SSB) show considerable promise as a next-generation technology. At the moment, however, it is far from reaching its full potential. It is important to realize the challenges and track the progress in the development of SSB’s. The main goal of this project is to understand and evaluate the effect of microstructural heterogeneities on battery performance, in particular, its degradation with time. We will attain this goal by developing a coupled electro-chemo-mechanical 3D model that would resolve the stresses and fracture in battery materials under different operating conditions. A detailed microstructure-resolved 3D model would help in examining the correlation and interplay between the microstructure and key battery properties.
Modelling offers possibilities not accessible to the experiments. They include tracking the degradation mechanisms in SSB’s and therefore quantifying the reliability of solid-state batteries. The fracture of solid electrolytes and loss of contact can significantly degrade the battery performance. Different recipes for solid electrolytes will be tested for their stability against electrode volume expansion upon cyclic charging. Based on the analyses, the selection of solid-electrolyte as well as the active-particles size and distribution can be optimized for specific battery application. The project is performed in the close collaboration with Comsol, the leading developer of the Multiphysics modelling software.
Organisations involved in the project
Description in a picture
Contact person
Artem Kulachenko,
KTH Royal Institute of Technology
artem@kth.se