Battery Materials: Electrochemistry, Structure and Degradation
Connect electrode chemistry, ion transport and microstructural damage to battery performance and safety.
A coupled materials system
A cell combines active materials, electrolyte, current collectors, separator and interfaces. Failure in one element affects the whole device.
Ion and electron pathways
Power depends on transport distance, conductivity and reaction kinetics. Porosity and particle size improve access but can reduce density or stability.
Structural evolution
Insertion and removal of ions can change lattice parameters, phases and stress. Repeated cycling may crack particles and disconnect active material.
Interfaces and safety
Interphase layers can protect electrodes but also consume inventory. Thermal runaway involves linked electrochemical and thermal reactions.
Engineering takeaway
Optimise energy, power, life, safety and manufacturability together; improving one metric can degrade another.