Failure-detecting techniques for commercial anodes of lithium-ion batteries

Energy density, power density, and safety of commercial lithium-ion batteries are largely dictated by anodes. Considering the multi-scale nature (10⁻⁸–10² cm) as well as the multi-physics properties—including electricity, force, and heat—of lithium-ion batteries, it is imperative to systematically categorize and summarize the failure-detection techniques for anodes in commercial lithium-ion batteries, namely, carbon-based and silicon-based anodes. In this perspective, we categorize the state-of-the-art failure-detection techniques for anodes into four dimensions—bulk of anode particles, interface/interphase of anode particles, electrodes, and batteries—aiming to develop the framework of multi-dimension failure detection. Based on the above four dimensions, this paper elaborates on characterization techniques applicable to different detection scales and the corresponding failure causes. Through examples that integrate multi-physical moduli or multi-dimensional characterization techniques, we further discuss the importance of developing collaborative characterization methods to acquire different physio-chemical information for anodes, providing relevant professionals with effective technical guidance.