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Title: Quantitative Analysis of Multi-Scale Heterogeneities in Complex Electrode Microstructures

Journal Article · · Journal of the Electrochemical Society (Online)
ORCiD logo [1]; ORCiD logo [2]; ORCiD logo [1];  [3];  [4];  [4];  [3];  [5]; ORCiD logo [1];  [1]; ORCiD logo [1]
  1. National Energy Technology Lab. (NETL), Pittsburgh, PA (United States); Carnegie Mellon Univ., Pittsburgh, PA (United States)
  2. National Energy Technology Lab. (NETL), Pittsburgh, PA (United States); Leidos Research Support Team, Morgantown, WV (United States)
  3. Leidos Research Support Team, Morgantown, WV (United States); National Energy Technology Lab. (NETL), Morgantown, WV (United States)
  4. Carnegie Mellon Univ., Pittsburgh, PA (United States)
  5. National Energy Technology Lab. (NETL), Morgantown, WV (United States)

The model was developed analyzing data from five large-volume physical reconstructions – collected using Xe-plasma focused ion beam with SEM (PFIB-SEM) – of several commercial cell electrodes and from unique sets of synthetic microstructures designed to have controlled distributions in particle size and local volume fractions. When comparing physical reconstructions from distinct regions of the same electrode, millimeter length scale heterogeneities are also observed, even in microstructures with limited mesoscale variability. While the model is developed using synthetic microstructures, it is used to quantify three different types of heterogeneities in the commercial cells. The potential origins are discussed with respect to variations in particle size distributions in feedstocks and to phase distributions related to fabrication processes; the potential performance impacts are discussed with respect to two effective medium theory models. The characterization and analytical methodologies and model presented can support the design and development of improved electrodes.

Research Organization:
National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), Pittsburgh, PA, Morgantown, WV, and Albany, OR (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
Carnegie Mellon Univ.; National Science Foundation (NSF)
Grant/Contract Number:
MCF-677785; 89243318CFE000003; DMR 1428480
OSTI ID:
1607755
Journal Information:
Journal of the Electrochemical Society (Online), Vol. 167, Issue 5; ISSN 1945-7111
Publisher:
IOP PublishingCopyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English
Citation Metrics:
Cited by: 10 works
Citation information provided by
Web of Science

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Figures / Tables (13)