Layer-Resolved Mechanical Degradation of a Ni-Rich Positive Electrode

The effects of electrochemical aging on the mechanical properties of electrodes in lithium-ion batteries are challenging to measure and are largely unknown. Mechanochemical degradation processes occur at different scales within an electrode and understanding the correlation between the degradation of mechanical properties, electrochemical aging, and morphological changes is crucial for mitigating battery performance degradation. This paper explores the evolution of mechanical and electrochemical properties at the layer level in a Ni-rich positive electrode during the initial stages of electrochemical cycling. The investigation involves complementary cross-section analyses aimed at unraveling the connection between observed changes on both macroscopic and microscopic scales. The macroscopic constitutive properties were assessed using a U-shaped bending test method that had been previously developed. The compressive modulus exhibited substantial dependency on both the porous structure and binder properties. It experienced a notable reduction with electrolyte wetting but demonstrated an increase with cycling and aging. During the initial stages of aging, electrochemical impedance spectra revealed increased local resistance near the particle–electrolyte interface. This is likely attributable to factors such as secondary particle grain separation and the redistribution of carbon black. The swelling of particles, compression of the binder phase, and enhanced particle contact were identified as probable factors adding to the elevation of the elastic modulus within the porous layer as a result of cycling.