Performance Modeling and Design of Ultra-High Power Microbatteries

High power density microbatteries could enable new capabilities for miniature sensors, radios, and industrial electronics. There is, however, a lack of understanding on how battery architecture and materials limit power performance when battery discharge rates exceed 100 C. This paper describes the development and application of an electrochemical model to predict the performance of microbatteries having interdigitated bicontinuous microporous electrodes, discharged at up to 600 C rates. We compare predicted battery behavior with measurements, and use the model to explore the underlying physics. The model shows that diffusion through the solid electrodes governs microbattery power performance. We develop design rules that could guide the development of improved batteries. (C) The Author(s) 2017. Published by ECS. All rights reserved.