Three-dimensional reconstruction and computational analysis of a structural battery composite electrolyte

Structural batteries are multifunctional composite materials that can carry mechanical load and store electrical energy. Their multifunctionality requires an ionically conductive and stiff electrolyte matrix material. For this purpose, a bi-continuous polymer electrolyte is used where a porous solid phase holds the structural integrity of the system, and a liquid phase, which occupies the pores, conducts lithium ions. To assess the porous structure, three-dimensional topology information is needed. Here we study the three-dimensional structure of the porous battery electrolyte material using combined focused ion beam and scanning electron microscopy and transfer into finite element models. Numerical analyses provide predictions of elastic modulus and ionic conductivity of the bi-continuous electrolyte material. Characterization of the three-dimensional structure also provides information on the diameter and volume distributions of the polymer and pores, as well as geodesic tortuosity.