Journal article

Publication year: 2024

Journal: Journal of The Electrochemical Society

Volume number: 171

Issue number: 6

ISSN: 0013-4651

eISSN: 1945-7111

Open access status: Hybrid

DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.1149/1945-7111/ad510e

Publisher: The Electrochemical Society

Abstract: 
The kinetics of composite cathodes for solid-state batteries (SSBs) relies heavily on their microstructure. Spatial distribution of the different phases, porosity, interface areas, and tortuosity factors are important descriptors that need accurate quantification for models to predict the electrochemistry and mechanics of SSBs. In this study, high-resolution focused ion beam-scanning electron microscopy tomography was used to investigate the microstructure of cathodes composed of a nickel-rich cathode active material (NCM) and a thiophosphate-based inorganic solid electrolyte (ISE). The influence of the ISE particle size on the microstructure of the cathode was visualized by 3D reconstruction and charge transport simulation. By comparison of experimentally determined and simulated conductivities of composite cathodes with different ISE particle sizes, the electrode charge transport kinetics is evaluated. Porosity is shown to have a major influence on the cell kinetics and the evaluation of the active mass of electrochemically active particles reveals a higher fraction of connected NCM particles in electrode composites utilizing smaller ISE particles. The results highlight the importance of homogeneous and optimized microstructures for high performance SSBs, securing fast ion and electron transport.

Harvard Citation style: Minnmann, P., Schubert, J., Kremer, S., Rekers, R., Burkhardt, S., Ruess, R., et al. (2024) Editors' Choice-Visualizing the Impact of the Composite Cathode Microstructure and Porosity on Solid-State Battery Performance, Journal of The Electrochemical Society, 171(6), Article 060514. https://doi.org/10.1149/1945-7111/ad510e

APA Citation style: Minnmann, P., Schubert, J., Kremer, S., Rekers, R., Burkhardt, S., Ruess, R., Bielefeld, A., Richter, F., & Janek, J. (2024). Editors' Choice-Visualizing the Impact of the Composite Cathode Microstructure and Porosity on Solid-State Battery Performance. Journal of The Electrochemical Society. 171(6), Article 060514. https://doi.org/10.1149/1945-7111/ad510e