Open-Source CFD Elucidating Mechanism of 3D Pillar Electrode in Improving All-Solid-State Battery Performance

Adv Sci (Weinh). 2022 May;9(13):e2105454. doi: 10.1002/advs.202105454. Epub 2022 Feb 8.

Abstract

All-solid-state batteries (ASSBs) have become an important technology because of their high performance and low-risk operation. However, the high interface resistance and low ionic conductivity of ASSBs hinder their application. In this study, a self-developed electrochemical model based on an open-source computational fluid dynamics platform is presented. The effect of contact area reduction at the electrode/solid-state electrolyte interface is investigated. Then, a new conceptual 3D structure is introduced to circumvent the existing barriers. The results demonstrate that the discharge time is shortened by over 20% when the area contact ratio reduces from 1.0 to 0.8 at 1 C-rate, owing to the increased overpotential. By adopting the new 3D pillar design, the energy density of ASSBs can be improved. However, it is only when a 3D current collector is contained in the cathode that the battery energy/power density, capacity, and material utilization can be greatly enhanced without being limited by pillar height issues. Therefore, this work provides important insight into the enhanced performance of 3D structures.

Keywords: 3D pillar electrodes; OpenFOAM; all-solid-state batteries; contact area; electrochemical model.