Theoretical Analysis of Stresses in a Lithium Ion Cell

A mathematical model to simulate the generation of mechanical stress during the discharge process in a dual porous insertion electrode cell sandwich comprised of lithium cobalt oxide and carbon is presented. The model attributes stress buildup within intercalation electrodes to two different aspects: changes in the lattice volume due to intercalation and phase transformation during the charge/discharge process. The model is used to predict the influence of cell design parameters such as thickness, porosity, and particle size of the electrodes on the magnitude of stress generation. The model developed in this study can be used to understand the mechanical degradation in a porous electrode during an intercalation/deintercalation process, and the use of this model results in an improved design for battery electrodes that are mechanically durable over an extended period of operation. © 2009 The Electrochemical Society.