Role of grain-level chemo-mechanics in composite cathode degradation of solid-state lithium batteries

Solid-state Li-ion batteries, based on Ni-rich oxide cathodes and Li-metal anodes, can theoretically reach a high specific energy of 393 Wh kg−1 and hold promise for electrochemical storage. However, Li intercalation-induced dimensional changes can lead to crystal defect formation in these cathodes, and contact mechanics problems between cathode and solid electrolyte. Understanding the interplay between cathode microstructure, operating conditions, micromechanics of battery materials, and capacity decay remains a challenge. Here, we present a microstructure-sensitive chemo-mechanical model to study the impact of grain-level chemo-mechanics on the degradation of composite cathodes. We reveal that crystalline anisotropy, state-of-charge-dependent Li diffusion rates, and lattice dimension changes drive dislocation formation in cathodes and contact loss at the cathode/electrolyte interface. These dislocations induce large lattice strain and trigger oxygen loss and structural degradation preferentially near the surface area of cathode particles. Moreover, contact loss is caused by the micromechanics resulting from the crystalline anisotropy of cathodes and the mechanical properties of solid electrolytes, not just operating conditions. These findings highlight the significance of grain-level cathode microstructures in causing cracking, formation of crystal defects, and chemo-mechanical degradation of solid-state batteries.