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    Cracking and associated volumetric expansion of NMC811 secondary particles
    (New York, NY [u.a.] : Elsevier, 2023) Shishvan, S.S.; Fleck, N.A.; McMeeking, R.M.; Deshpande, V.S.
    Secondary particles comprising a large number of nickel-rich single crystal primary particles are extensively used as storage particles in cathodes of lithium-ion batteries. It is well-established that crack formation in secondary particles is an important degradation mode that contributes to decline in battery performance. Recent X-ray tomographic observations suggest that, at very low C-rates, concentration gradients of lithium within an NMC811 secondary particle are negligible yet cracking still occurs. Additionally, during delithiation the primary particles shrink yet a volumetric expansion of the secondary particle occurs. These observations are explained by a numerical model of distributed cracking due to the extreme anisotropy of lithiation strain of primary particles. The incompatible deformation from grain to grain induces large self-stresses even in the absence of spatial gradients in the lithium concentration. The stress state is sufficient to drive a dynamic catastrophic fracture event, and the associated kinetic energy acquired by the primary particles moves them apart (akin to an explosive event) with the carbon and binder domain surrounding each secondary particle restricting the outward motion of the primary particles. It is predicted that a volume expansion of the secondary particles on the order of 20 % accompanies cracking, in agreement with recently reported observations.
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    The future agricultural biogas plant in Germany: A vision
    (Basel : MDPI AG, 2019) Theuerl, S.; Herrmann, C.; Heiermann, M.; Grundmann, P.; Landwehr, N.; Kreidenweis, U.; Prochnow, A.
    After nearly two decades of subsidized and energy crop-oriented development, agricultural biogas production in Germany is standing at a crossroads. Fundamental challenges need to be met. In this article we sketch a vision of a future agricultural biogas plant that is an integral part of the circular bioeconomy and works mainly on the base of residues. It is flexible with regard to feedstocks, digester operation, microbial communities and biogas output. It is modular in design and its operation is knowledge-based, information-driven and largely automated. It will be competitive with fossil energies and other renewable energies, profitable for farmers and plant operators and favorable for the national economy. In this paper we discuss the required contribution of research to achieve these aims.