Evaluation of stress distribution in carbon-based nanoporous electrode by three-dimensional nanostructural reconstruction

The present study employs advanced three-dimensional(3D) nanostructural reconstruction to evaluate stress distribution in carbon-based nanoporous electrodes. It highlights the critical role of internal microstructure in determining electrode performance. Detailed cross-sectional images are captured and analyzed using focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM) to construct accurate three-dimensional models of the internal porous architecture. The mean pore size of solution-based electrodes is quantified at 30 nm, compared to 110 nm in aerosol-based electrodes, through 3D model construction. Mechanical testing revealed significant discrepancies in the properties of the electrodes. The solution-based electrodes exhibited a Young's modulus of 364 MPa, an elongation at break of 2.44 %, and a strength of 4.01 MPa. In contrast, the aerosol-based electrodes demonstrated lower values, with a Young's modulus of 173 MPa, an elongation at break of 0.9 %, and a strength of 1.11 MPa, respectively. These mechanical differences are linked to the density and uniformity of the porous structures, where solution-based electrodes exhibited reduced high-stress concentrations. The 3D models provided insights into the variance in stress distribution directly correlating to the porosity and structural integrity influenced by the electrode fabrication technique. These results underscore the utility of 3D nanostructural analysis in optimizing the design of nanoporous electrodes, facilitating enhanced performance in energy storage and conversion devices.