Sophisticated 3D microstructural reconstruction for numerical analysis of electrolyte imbibition in Li-ion battery separator and anode

Abstract

A simplified approach to visualize and create high-fidelity three-dimensional (3D) microstructure reconstruction of Li-ion battery (LIB) separator (Polyethylene - PE) is proposed here, for comprehending the relationship between transport properties (Electrolyte saturation, Residual gas phase, effective transport coefficient - δ, and Macmullin number - Nm) and microstructure characteristics. In the construction of Li-ion battery, since electrolyte filling in separator and electrode is a decisive step that primarily governs the storage capacity, battery life cycle and safety, herein the study was extended to identify the quantity of residual gas in the separator/electrode microstructure for facilitating better wetting and infilling of electrolyte into the electrode and separator. Moreover, the effect of structural and transport properties with different graphite content (50%, 60%, and 70%) in the electrode were investigated followed by contact angle (CA) effect with electrolyte in the separator and graphite is presented. From the results of the study, it is claimed that the graphite contents of anode and contact angle of electrolytes explicitly impact the transport properties, in addition the conductivity of the electrolyte diminishes with respect to the microstructure of separator and anode.