  Fracture of lithium-ion battery electrodes is found to contribute to capacity
fade and reduce the lifespan of a battery. Traditional fracture models for
batteries are restricted to consideration of a single, idealised particle;
here, advanced X-ray computed tomography (CT) imaging, an
electro-chemo-mechanical model and a phase field fracture framework are
combined to predict the void-driven fracture in the electrode particles of a
realistic battery electrode microstructure. The electrode is shown to exhibit a
highly heterogeneous electrochemical and fracture response that depends on the
particle size and distance from the separator/current collector. The model
enables prediction of increased cracking due to enlarged cycling voltage
windows, cracking susceptibility as a function of electrode thickness, and
damage sensitivity to discharge rate. This framework provides a platform that
facilitates a deeper understanding of electrode fracture and enables the design
of next-generation electrodes with higher capacities and improved degradation
characteristics.
