Much like blood circulation in living organisms, the electrolyte is essential for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), though its unintended flow within the porous electrode structure can significantly influence performance and longevity during operation. Despite its importance, the effects of electrolyte motion on LIBs have been relatively underexplored, with only recent studies [1,2] beginning to highlight its substantial influence on battery performance, lifetime, and safety risks.
Our research addresses this gap by examining electrolyte motion caused by the expansion and contraction of active materials during the de/lithiation process. To capture this dynamic, we developed a novel simulation approach based on an equivalent circuit transmission line model [3], incorporating electrolyte flow volume into a flexible and scalable Simulink framework. This model allows for a detailed representation of electrochemical processes, making it a practical tool for diverse battery design and testing applications.
Our findings reveal that electrolyte flow dynamics can lead to severe lithium salt gradients along the electrode in-plane dimension, heightening the risk of lithium plating and contributing to apparent ageing effects observed in multiple studies [4 – 6]. By highlighting these secondary impacts and providing a practical modelling solution, this study underscores the importance of incorporating electrolyte flow dynamics into LIB simulations, offering essential insights for the design of safer, longer-lasting batteries.
[1] C. P. Aiken et al, J. Electrochem. Soc. 2023, 170 040529
[2] Solchenbach et al, J. Energy Environ. Sci. 2024, 17, 7294-7317
[3] A. Graule et al, J. Electrochem. Soc. 2024, 171 020503
[4] Morales et al, Batteries 2023, 9, 230
[5] Spingler et al, J. Electrochem. Soc. 2020, 167 040526