Avoiding Fracture in a Conversion Battery Material through Reaction with Larger Ions

Conversion and alloying electrode materials offer high specific capacity for emerging sodium- and potassium-ion batteries, but the larger volume changes compared to reaction with lithium are thought to limit cyclability. The reaction mechanisms of many materials with Na+ and K+ are unknown, however, and this knowledge is key for engineering mechanically resilient materials. Here, in situ transmission electron microscopy is used to uncover the nanoscale transformations during the reaction of FeS2 electrode materials with Li+, Na+, and K+ Surprisingly, despite larger volume changes during the conversion reaction with Na+, and K+, the FeS2 crystals only fracture during lithiation. Modeling of reaction-induced deformation shows that the shape of the two-phase reaction front influences stress evolution, and unique behavior during lithiation causes stress concentrations and fracture. The larger volume changes in Na- and K-ion battery materials may therefore be managed through understanding and control of reaction mechanisms, ultimately leading to better alkali-ion batteries.