Multifunctional Composite Materials: Consideration of Loads in Embedded and Integrated Li Batteries

Realization of the most novel power sources must necessarily invoke modeling capability at the nanoscale, especially if these materials are expected to perform multiple roles, i.e. power generation and mechanical support. The most promising electrochemical power supplies have only been realized with the ability to reproducibly fabricate high-surface area electrodes, which are necessarily composites. Here, we focus on multifunctional material fabrication, i.e. structural batteries which offer both high power and energy density, and intrinsically offer mechanical stiffness to a structure. Our overarching objectives are to determine how materials architecture, electrochemistry, and charge/discharge processes influence load transfer within and outside the cell. We have begun this effort by developing models to understand how electrochemical phenomena induce mechanical stress, and failure, in high power electrochemistries, i.e. Lithium-based cells.