Loss of electrical contact refers to the breakdown or loss of the electronic connection between the electrode material and the conductive pathway (such as the collector, conductive agent network, or other active particles) during the operation or aging of the battery. This leads to some active materials being unable to participate in the charging and discharging reactions, thereby causing performance degradation phenomena such as capacity decline and increased internal resistance.
Performance Impact:
Battery capacity decline: Although the active substances have not degraded, they are unable to effectively participate in the reaction.
Increase in internal resistance: The rise in contact impedance is manifested as a decrease in rate performance.
Increased local heating: High contact resistance areas may cause hotspots, posing safety hazards.
Irreversible performance degradation: The active materials permanently ‘lose contact,’ and cannot be repaired.
