Impact of Alkali Metal-Ion Intercalation on Mechanical Deformations in Cobalt Oxide Cathodes

Abstract

A lack of understanding the interaction between alkali metal ions and the host electrode structure limits the development of electrodes for alkali metal ion batteries. Here, in situ digital image correlation is coupled with electrochemical techniques to probe electrochemical strains in cobalt oxide electrodes during intercalation of Li, Na, and K ions. A characteristic difference was observed in the chemo-mechanical response of the electrode based on the alkali metal ion. Strain rate calculations point out contrasts in mechanical deformation upon alkali metal ion intercalation in the electrodes. The outcome of the study provides mechanical principles for engineering next-generation cathodes beyond Li-ion batteries.