Mechanics-Enabled Simulation and Design of the Anode-Cathode Interface in Lithium Metal Batteries

Description

Abstract: Solid-state batteries, using a solid electrolyte (SE), are among the future energy technologies due to their promise of high energy density and high thermostability. However, the quality of the physical and electrical contact at the Li-SE interface is one of the concerns that constrain Li-ion transport. Roughness of the SE surface, interfacial resistance, packing pressure, current density, Li layer creep and yield, as well as SE ion conductivity are among the factors affecting the macroscopic long-time charge-discharge behavior of a battery cell via microscopic transient Li plating and stripping. This presentation reports a three-dimensional time-dependent mechanics-based electrokinetic model, solved in the Laplace-Fourier domains, to quantify the effects of topography, external pressure, electrolyte Young’s modulus, yield and creep properties, and ionic conductivity on the mechano-electrochemical behaviors of solid-state lithium cells. The evolution of interface morphology, potential change, and plating and stripping are simulated for the design of the Li-SE interface via adjusting external pressure, composite SE materials, and interface conformity. Simulation-based methods to determine the mechanical properties of plated Li metal and interfacial electrical resistance are suggested. Bio: Q. Jane Wang received her Ph. D in Mechanical Engineering from Northwestern University in 1993 and is now a Professor there. Her research is mainly on contact/interfacial mechanics and tribology of engineering systems and advanced materials, including multifield theories and methods for contact and interfacial mechanics, mechanics of solid-state batteries, science and numerical simulations of tribological interfaces, model-enabled designs of machine elements and their surfaces, interface failure mechanisms and failure prevention methods, and industrial applications of models, designs, and novel fluids for energy efficiency, durability and reliability. She received the 2015 International Award from Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers (STLE), which is the highest award of the society. She was elected Fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) in 2009 and STLE in 2007. She and co-workers received the STLE 2014 and 1997 Captain Alfred E. Hunt Best Paper Award, the ASME 2015 and 2013 Journal of Tribology Best Paper Award, the STLE 2013 and 2011 Surface Engineering Best Paper Award, and the STLE 2010 Edmond E Bisson Best Written Contribution Award. She was one of the two Editors of Encyclopedia of Tribology, published by Springe in 2013, and wrote a book, Interfacial Mechanics, Theories and Methods for Contact and Lubrication, published by CRC Press in 2019. She served the professional communities as a Board of Director of STLE during 2008-2009, Secretary of the 2005 Word Tribology Congress Technical Program Committee, Chair of the 2011 ASME/STLE International Joint Tribology Conference, Chair of the STLE Annual Meeting Program Committee during 2007-2008.