Lattice Boltzmann simulation of ion and electron transport in lithium ion battery porous electrode during discharge process

A two dimensional lattice Boltzmann simulation of ion and electron transport within lithium ion battery porous electrode was presented in this study. In the simulation, a LiyC6|LixMn2O4 rocking-chair rechargeable battery structure was employed and the electrode was composed of irregular particles. The effects of electrode microstructure on the local lithium concentration distribution, electric potential and macroscopic discharge performance were investigated. Results show that smaller particles were lithiated and delithiated at a higher rate during the discharge process. The lithium depletion in anode and the lithium accumulation in cathode were enhanced in the edges and corners for large irregular particles. The particles with lower lithium concentration produced higher local electric potential in the anode. For discharge performance, the porosity of the electrode had significant influence on the achievable capacity.