This Nature article investigates the degradation of silicon-based anodes in lithium-ion batteries, focusing on how the formation of amorphous shear bands within crystalline silicon impacts lithiation and battery capacity. It reveals that non-hydrostatic strain from electrochemical cycling triggers dislocation and shear band formation, leading to uneven lithium distribution and capacity loss. The study combines experimental characterization with molecular dynamics modeling to offer insights into improving anode materials for better cycling stability and reduced capacity degradation in future high-energy-density batteries.
For more details, you can read the full article here: