Thermal and diffusion induced stresses of layered electrodes in the lithium-ion battery under galvanostatic charging

During the charging process of a lithium-ion battery, heat generation and volume changes occur, leading to internal stresses between the active plates and current collectors due to thermal and diffusivity mismatch. Excessive stresses can result in electrode fracture, causing mechanical and electrical failures of the battery. This paper presents analytical solutions for the temperature and concentration distribution inside the lithium-ion battery during galvanostatic charging, and the associated thermal and diffusion induced stresses of layered electrode are also predicted. Numerical analysis demonstrates the importance of considering the generated heat during electrochemical charging when assessing the stress state of the electrodes. To prevent thermal runaway, it is crucial to ensure efficient heat dissipation during high-current charging. The maximum stress is observed at the lateral surfaces of the active plates, highlighting the significance of thermal stress in reducing the diffusion induced stress. Furthermore, employing a current collector with a higher coefficient of thermal expansion and lower elastic modulus can mitigate the overall stress on the active plate. This paper offers a valuable theoretical model for parametric studies and optimization of charging strategies for lithium-ion batteries.