Exploring the electrochemical and mechanical properties of lithium-ion batteries in salt spray environments

Abstract

With the pressing need to expedite the transition toward a greener marine industry, energy-efficient and eco-friendly lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are increasingly favored. However, compared to land applications, marine environments pose unique challenges to the utilization of LIBs, thereby necessitating targeted safety measures. In this study, prismatic LIBs (PLIBs) are subjected to standard salt spray tests to emulate marine environments, and the resultant morphological changes and external voltage response of the batteries under the corrosion behavior are analyzed. Subsequently, the impacts of the salt spray environment on the electrochemical performance of PLIBs are assessed through a range of characterization techniques including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and charge-discharge test. Finally, quasi-static ball indentation tests are carried out on the corroded batteries to study the behaviors under mechanical abusive loading scenarios. Results reveal that the most prominent effect of the salt spray environment on the batteries is the occurrence of swelling, attributable to the imperfect sealing of the battery tabs. This study represents an innovative exploration of the viability of LIBs in the marine environments, providing fundamental theoretical guidance for early detection of battery corrosion and collision risks, as well as facilitating protective design considerations.