A preliminary assessment of a solid-state lithium-ion battery in radiation environment by Geant4 simulations

This study investigates the impact of irradiation on solid-state lithium batteries, which is critical for their deployment in challenging environments such as space missions and nuclear facilities. By utilizing Geant4 simulations, we examine the effects of neutrons and gamma irradiation on battery materials, with a particular emphasis on the generation of hydrogen and helium isotopes, non-ionizing energy loss (NIEL), and potential radiation-induced leakage current. Our simulations indicate that the induced radioactivity is negligible at the ex-core site of the pressurized water reactor. Notably, neutron irradiation results in higher NIEL values than gamma rays, suggesting more significant displacement damage in battery materials. In particular, we observe a directional leakage current induced by gamma-ray irradiation, with the solid-state electrolyte LLZTO demonstrating the most pronounced response. This phenomenon could potentially lead to alterations at the electrode/electrolyte interface. These findings provide valuable insights into the design and optimization of solid-state lithium batteries in irradiated conditions.