Magnetically aligned electrodes predicted to increase lithium-ion battery capacity by as much as 25%

Capacity gain vs. relative tortuosity. Note the more than 25% gain at low tortuosity for the high charging rate 4C.
Capacity gain vs. relative tortuosity. Note the more than 25% gain at low tortuosity for the high charging rate 4C.

CMI scientists at Ames Laboratory conducted this research.

Achievement
A coupled electrochemical-thermal-mechanical model was developed to predict the electrochemical degradation and performance of magnetically aligned electrodes in lithium-ion batteries for fast-charging applications. 

Significance and impact

  • Aligned electrodes have higher electrochemical properties, like ionic diffusivity and conductivity, due to aligned pore channels.
  • Analysis predicted an increase of more than 25% (Figure) in cell capacity at 4C charging rate and beyond.
  • Electrochemical degradation due to lithium deposition on anode was suppressed due to improved ionic transport.

Details and next steps
In the near future, we plan to augment the electrochemical model to describe complex electrode geometry as often encountered in electrochemical storage.