Low-temperature Performance Of Lithium-ion Batteries Research Articles

Li3PO4-Enriched SEI on Graphite Anode Boosts Li+ De-Solvation Enabling Fast-Charging and Low-Temperature Lithium-Ion Batteries.

Li+ de-solvation at solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI)-electrolyte interface stands as a pivotal step that imposes limitations on the fast-charging capability and low-temperature performance of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Unraveling the contributions of key constituents in the SEI that facilitate Li+ de-solvation and deciphering their mechanisms, as a design principle for the interfacial structure of anode materials, is still a challenge. Herein, we conducted a systematic exploration of the influence exerted by various inorganic components (Li2CO3, LiF, Li3PO4) found in the SEI on their role in promoting the Li+ de-solvation. The findings highlight that Li3PO4-enriched SEI effectively reduces the de-solvation energy due to its ability to attenuate the Li+-solvent interaction, thereby expediting the de-solvation process. Building on this, we engineer Li3PO4 interphase on graphite (LPO-Gr) anode via a simple solid-phase coating, facilitating the Li+ de-solvation and building an inorganic-rich SEI, resulting in accelerated Li+ transport crossing the electrode interfaces and interphases. Full cells using the LPO-Gr anode can replenish its 80 % capacity in 6.5 minutes, while still retaining 70 % of the room temperature capacity even at -20 °C. Our strategy establishes connection between the de-solvation characteristics of the SEI components and the interfacial structure design of anode materials for high performance LIBs.

Targeting the low-temperature performance degradation of lithium-ion batteries: A non-destructive bidirectional pulse current heating framework

The poor low-temperature performance of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) significantly impedes the widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and energy storage systems (ESSs) in cold regions. In this paper, a non-destructive bidirectional pulse current (BPC) heating framework considering different BPC parameters is proposed. To determine the lithium plating boundary of graphite anode, a three-electrode battery is first fabricated. Then, an electro-thermal coupled model is established and the model parameters consider not only the effects of temperature and heating frequency but also the effect of current amplitude. Subsequently, a novel lithium plating criterion is derived based on the thermodynamic theory and the graphite anode model. Finally, leveraging the electro-thermal coupled model and considering the constraints of lithium plating and terminal voltage, the effects of different BPC heating parameters on battery heat generation are discussed and a novel BPC heating strategy is designed. The results show that the heat generation power is highest when the ratio of discharge time to charge time is 0.55. Additionally, the BPC heating strategy proposed in this paper is 45 s faster than the traditional BPC heating strategy when the battery is heated from -15 °C to 10 °C at 100 Hz. The heating rate of the new BPC strategy is 3.51 °C/min and there is no observed capacity degradation after 100 heating cycles. The BPC heating framework proposed in this paper effectively improves the low-temperature performance of the battery and contributes positively to the promotion of EVs and ESSs in cold regions.

Correlating Solid-Electrolyte Interface Composition to Charge Transfer Resistance for Improved Low-Temperature Performance of Lithium-Ion Batteries

The adverse impact of low temperatures on Li-ion batteries (LIBs) is a well known challenge. Currently, at subfreezing temperatures, the efficiency of conventional LIBs greatly decreases compared to their room temperature performance, which of course severely limits the performance of applications using LIBs in the colder regions on the planet. From a fundamental perspective, the causes of such performance decreases are yet to be fully understood, but are believed to be related to the ability of ions to move through the various phases (as well as move across phase interfaces) that exist in the battery.Several studies have been conducted to improve the low-temperature performance of LIBs, most of them focusing on using solvents with lower viscosity and higher dielectric constant to promote transport through the electrolyte at the lower temperatures so as to achieve lower bulk resistance (Rbulk) of the cell. However, our Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) studies at low temperatures have indicated that it is the charge transfer resistance (Rct) that grows exponentially as we go to sub-zero Celsius temperatures and is responsible for the increase in the total resistance of the cell. EIS on 3-electrode cells have shown that the anode side (Gr) is predominantly responsible for the poor cell performance, necessitating our focus on the charge transfer process in the Gr-electrolyte interface. We observe that the Rct is not only related to the Li-solvation shell but also to the composition of the Solid Electrolyte Interface (SEI). By modifying the electrolyte, such as by changing the salt concentration, adding additives, and changing the solvent, significant changes in the interface and hence in the RSEI and Rct of the cell have been observed. By combining EIS with various techniques like mass spectrometry, differential capacity analysis and SEM, we have been able to better understand the SEI composition and its impact on interfacial resistances. We specifically focus on the influence of SEI composition on the charge-transfer resistance of the cell, correlating the effect of amounts of LiF and carbonates in the SEI with the interfacial performance of the cell. Through these relations, we aim to facilitate the development of electrolytes by having a better understanding of the solvation shells and the SEI composition for low temperature performance.

Carbon Patterned Layer for the Low-Temperature Performance of Lithium-Ion Batteries

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are widely used as an energy source as the electrification of industries, due to their high energy density, long lifespan, and excellent cost-effectiveness. However, if the LIBs operated in environments that are not at an appropriate temperature, the electrochemical performance of the LIBs can be rapidly reduced and leading to a significant deterioration in cycling characteristics.In particular, at low-temperature environments, the diffusion, migration and charge transfer resistance can substantially increase. As a result, the capacity and rate capability of the lithium-ion battery are lower than that of the room temperature environments. To improve the performance of LIBs at the low-temperature, previous studies have been introduced a heat generation layer inside or outside batteries. However, adding a heat generation layer reduces the energy density of the system, and the layer inside the battery can act as an electrical resistance layer, leading to a decrease in performance at the room temperature.In this research, a patterned carbon layer was introduced at the interface between the current collector and the electrode composite layer to improve the low-temperature characteristics of LIBs. The patterning of the carbon layer not only reduces the decrease in energy density but also does not significantly limit the electron transfer path between the current collector and the electrode composite layer.

Enabling Ultralow-Temperature (-70°C) Lithium-Ion Batteries: Advanced Electrolytes Utilizing Weak-Solvation and Low-Viscosity Nitrile Cosolvent.

Low-temperature performance of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) has always posed a significant challenge, limiting their wide application in cold environments. In this work, the high-performance LIBs working under ultralow-temperature conditions, which is achieved by employing the weak-solvation and low-viscosity isobutyronitrile as a cosolvent to tame the affinity between solvents and lithium ions, is reported. The as-prepared electrolytes exhibit a sufficiently high conductivity (1.152 mS cm-1 ) at -70°C. The electrolytes enable LiCoO2 cathode and graphite anode to achieve high Coulombic efficiency of >99.9% during long-term cycling at room temperature, and to respectively achieve 75.8% and 100.0% of their room-temperature capacities at -40°C. Even the LiCoO2 //graphite pouch cells can retain 68.7% of the room-temperature capacity when discharged at -70°C, and present stable cycling performance at -40 and 60°C. This work provides a solution for the development of advanced electrolytes to enable LIBs working at wide-temperatures range.

Cell Design for Improving Low-Temperature Performance of Lithium-Ion Batteries for Electric Vehicles

With the rapid development of new-energy vehicles worldwide, lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are becoming increasingly popular because of their high energy density, long cycle life, and low self-discharge rate. They are widely used in different kinds of new-energy vehicles, such as hybrid electric vehicles and battery electric vehicles. However, low-temperature (−20–−80 °C) environments hinder the use of LIBs by severely deteriorating their normal performance. From the perspective of material design, this review summarized and analyzed common methods of improving LIBs’ performance via structure optimization and material optimization, and the future development of methods in this regard is discussed. This review is expected to provide cell design ideas for enhancing the low-temperature performance of LIBs.

A review on electrode and electrolyte for lithium ion batteries under low temperature

AbstractUnder low temperature (LT) conditions (−80 °C∼0 °C), lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) may experience the formation of an extensive solid electrolyte interface (SEI), which can cause a series of detrimental effects such as Li+ deposition and irregular dendritic filament growth on the electrolyte surface. These issues ultimately lead to the degradation of the LT performance of LIBs. As a result, new electrode/electrolyte materials are necessary to address these challenges and enable the proper functioning of LIBs at LT. Given that most electrochemical reactions in lithium‐ion batteries occur at the electrode/electrolyte interface, finding solutions to mitigate the negative impact caused by SEI is crucial to improve the LT performance of LIBs. In this article, we analyze and summarize the recent studies on electrode and electrolyte materials for low temperature lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). These materials include both metallic materials like tin, manganese, and cobalt, as well as non‐metallic materials such as graphite and graphene. Modified materials, such as those with nano or alloying characteristics, generally exhibit better properties than raw materials. For instance, Sn nanowire‐Si nanoparticles (SiNPs−In‐SnNWs) and tin dioxide carbon nanotubes (SnO2@CNT) have faster Li+ transport rates and higher reversible capacity at LT. However, it′s important to note that when operating under LT, the electrolyte may solidify, leading to difficulty in Li+ transmission. The compatibility between the electrolyte and electrode can affect the formation of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) and the stability of the electrode/electrolyte system. Therefore, a good electrode/electrolyte system is crucial for successful operation of LIBs at LT.

Modified Silicon Anode for Improved Low-Temperature Performance of Lithium-Ion Batteries

Abstract The shift away from fossil fuels for modern-day energy requirements has resulted in a higher demand for electric vehicles and has led to a critical role for lithium-ion batteries. Next-generation higher capacity electrode materials are needed to meet the demands of future electric vehicles. Lithium-ion batteries function optimally around room temperature (23 °C), but discharge capacity diminishes rapidly below 0 °C and significantly affects the population living in colder climates. Higher capacity electrode materials such as silicon need to be paired with new electrolytes that favor ideal low-temperature performance. This work pairs a typical nickel-rich lithium cathode with a modified silicon anode and a ternary carbonate/ester electrolyte to demonstrate improved discharge capacity at subzero temperature.

A data-driven evaluation method for low-temperature performance of lithium-ion batteries

Energy storage system plays an important role in smoothing out the electricity supply from renewable energy and improving stability of the power system. At present, most energy storage systems are still battery energy storage systems (BESS). However, the time-varying temperature condition has a significant impact on discharge capacity of lithium-ion batteries. When lithium-ion battery operates in a low temperature environment, the discharge capacity of the battery decreases. Therefore, this paper develops a discharge capacity evaluation method for lithium-ion batteries at low temperature. Firstly, we analyze the battery discharge characteristics. On this basis, battery tests have been conducted and we proposed some health indicators. Finally input the measured data and health indicators into the machine learning model. The applicability and effectiveness of this method are analyzed through numerical results.

Understanding the Role of SEI Layer in Low-Temperature Performance of Lithium-Ion Batteries.

Low-temperature electrolytes (LTEs) have been considered as one of the most challenging aspects for the wide adoption of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) since the SOA electrolytes cannot sufficiently support the redox reactions at LT resulting in dramatic performance degradation. Although many attempts have been taken by employing various noncarbonate solvent electrolytes, there was a lack of fundamental understanding of the limiting factors for low-temperature operations (e.g., -20 to -40 °C). In this paper, the crucial role of the solid-electrolyte-interface (SEI) in LIB performance at low temperature using a butyronitrile (BN)-based electrolyte was demonstrated. These results suggested that an additive formed SEI with low resistance and low charge transfer dictates the LT performance in terms of capacity and cycle life, presenting a useful guideline in designing new electrolytes to address the LT issue.

Lattice Spacing, Morphology, Properties, and Quasi—In Situ Impedance of Ternary Lithium-Ion Batteries at a Low Temperature

The study about the low-temperature performance of lithium-ion batteries (LIB) is of great significance at extreme temperatures, such as polar scientific research, space exploration, deep-sea exploration, military fields, and so on. In this study, normal devices and symmetrical devices were fabricated by ternary Li(Ni0.5Mn0.3Co0.2)O2 as cathode and graphite as anode at 25 and −20 °C. The results show that the specific discharge capacity of normal device is up to 120 mAh g−1 at 1 C and 25 °C. The specific capacity and energy density at 0.2 C and −20 °C are 106.05 mAh g−1 and 376.53 mWh g−1, respectively, which can reach 92.82% of that at 1 C and 25 °C. The value of activation energy Ea of the interface reaction of the LIB is calculated to be 63.72 kJ/mol by the Arrhenius equation. When the temperature dropped from 25 to −20 °C, the lattice spacing of Li1−x(Ni0.5Mn0.3Co0.2)O2 hardly changed, while the lattice spacing (002) of graphite reduces 0.00248 Å. In addition, some cracks were observed on the charged cathode at −20 °C. We carried out quasi-in situ electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) when the voltages of normal device discharged to 3.8, 3.6, 3.4, 3.2, and 3.0 V. Unlike the relationship of voltage–resistance at 25 °C, the values of the series resistance (Rs), charge transfer resistance (Rct), and ion transfer resistance (Rit) gradually decrease as the voltage decreases at −20 °C. Compared with the resistance of the symmetrical device based on the anode at 25 °C, the values of Rs and Rit at −20 °C both obviously increase. The main reason of performance degradation for normal device at −20 °C is large ion transfer resistance and the decrease of lattice spacing of the graphite (002).

Electrochemical modeling and parameter sensitivity of lithium-ion battery at low temperature

The highly temperature-dependent performance of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) limits their applications at low temperatures (<-30 °C). Using a pseudo-two-dimensional model (P2D) in this study, the behavior of fives LIBs with good low-temperature performance was modeled and validated using experimental results. The effects of eight different parameters including the active material volume fraction, particle radius and initial lithium-ion concentration in positive and negative electrodes, initial liquid lithium-ion concentration, and separator porosity on the low-temperature performance of these five LIBs were investigated. In order to evaluate the sensitivity of each parameter, the slope of discharge capacity change with respect to the change of each parameter was used. According to the results, the change in the structural parameters of the negative electrode had a more significant impact on the low-temperature performance of LIBs than the structural parameters of the positive electrode. The results showed that the sensitivity of particle radius, active material volume fraction and initial lithium-ion concentration in the negative electrode is approximately 49, 32 and 11 times higher than the positive electrode, respectively. Also in the negative electrode, the sensitivity of the particle radius is approximately 1.4 and 2 times higher than the sensitivity of the active material volume fraction and initial lithium-ion concentration, respectively.

Multi-core–shell-structured LiFePO4@Na3V2(PO4)3@C composite for enhanced low-temperature performance of lithium-ion batteries

In this work, a multi-core–shell-structured LiFePO4@Na3V2(PO4)3@C (LFP@NVP@C) composite was successfully designed and prepared to address inferior low-temperature performance of LiFePO4 cathode for lithium-ion batteries. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) confirms the inner NVP and outer carbon layers co-existed on the surface of LFP particle. When evaluated at low-temperature operation, LFP@NVP@C composite exhibits an evidently enhanced electrochemical performance in term of higher capacity and lower polarization, compared with LFP@C. Even at − 10 °C with 0.5C, LFP@NVP@C delivers a discharge capacity of ca. 96.9 mAh·g−1 and discharge voltage of ca. 3.3 V, which is attributed to the beneficial contribution of NVP coating. NASICON-structured NVP with an open framework for readily insertion/desertion of Li+ will effectively reduce the polarization for the electrochemical reactions of the designed LFP@NVP@C composite.

Methods for enhancing the capacity of electrode materials in low-temperature lithium-ion batteries

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have evolved into the mainstream power source of energy storage equipment by reason of their advantages such as high energy density, high power, long cycle life and less pollution. With the expansion of their applications in deep-sea exploration, aerospace and military equipment, special working conditions have placed higher demands on the low-temperature performance of LIBs. However, at low temperatures, the severe polarization and inferior electrochemical activity of electrode materials cause the acute capacity fading upon cycling, which greatly hindered the further development of LIBs. In this review, we summarize the recent important progress of LIBs in low-temperature operations and introduce the key methods and the related action mechanisms for enhancing the capacity of the various cathode and anode materials. It aims to promote the development of high-performance electrode materials and broaden the application range of LIBs.

Butyl acrylate (BA) and ethylene carbonate (EC) electrolyte additives for low-temperature performance of lithium ion batteries

A novel modified reagent of butyl acrylate (BA) is introduced to improve the low-temperature performance of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Although the BA reagent has a slightly higher viscosity, it has a very low melting point and a very high dielectric constant, which makes the electrolyte have a high ionic conductivity, and finally the low temperature performance of lithium ion battery is obviously improved. The discharge capacities of BA0% were 116.67, 107.79, 95.65 and 74.31 mAh g−1 at −10 °C, −20 °C, −30 °C and −40 °C, respectively. After adding 16% BA to the electrolyte, the discharge capacities of BA16% were 127.89, 125.13, 113.28 and 91.50 mAh g−1 at −10 °C, −20 °C, −30 °C and −40 °C, with the increase of 9.6%, 16.1%, 18.4% and 23.1%, respectively. Moreover, ethylene carbonate (EC) is added as another modification reagent which can further improve the conductivity, increase the low-temperature capacity and achieve a better cyclic stability. As a result, the largest capacity could reach 169.12, 149.05, 138.15 and 108.94 mAh g−1 for the EC16% + EC10% battery, with the room-temperature capacity (identified as 180 mAh g−1) retention rates of 94.0%, 82.8%, 76.8% and 60.5% at −10, −20, −30 and −40 °C respectively, which are much higher than those of BA0%, BA 8%, BA12% and 16% batteries. The mixed additives of BA + EC can not only improve the low temperature discharge capacity, but also enhance the discharge voltage platform, which provides a new insight to improve the low-temperature performance of LIBs.

Interfacial kinetics induced phase separation enhancing low-temperature performance of lithium-ion batteries

Understanding the temperature dependence of phase transitions occurred in electrode materials is crucial for improving the low-temperature performance of Li-ion batteries. In this work, we find an unusual temperature dependence in the phase transition of TiO2 nanoparticles on dynamic Li+ intercalation, with a decrease in temperature resulting in the formation of a supersaturated solid solution phase. Kinetic analyses reveal that Li redistribution is facilitated at high temperature while limited at low temperature. This difference manifests as a thermodynamically-controlled phase separation at high temperature and a kinetically-controlled formation of a supersaturated solid solution phase at low temperature. Facilitating the phase separation by enhancing the interfacial kinetics proves effective to improve the low-temperature performance. This study provides a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the temperature dependence of the lithiation-induced phase transition, which has important implications for the development of the next generation of all-climate rechargeable batteries.

(Invited) Electrochemical Characteristics of Lithium-Ion Cells Employing Different Additives at Low Temperature

Significant attention has been paid to lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) with high energy density and excellent cycle life, because new applications such as electric vehicles (EVs) and energy storage systems (ESSs) are rapidly emerging into the market. However, current LIBs cannot satisfy the low temperature performance for further applications of EVs in cold climates. It is common that the LIBs lose most of their reversible capacity and power density as the temperature decreases below 0 oC.1,2 Therefore, improving low temperature performance has been an important subject for many researchers. In our study, we firstly try to investigate the factors that limit the low temperature performance of LIBs by using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) analysis. Furthermore, we examine the electrochemical characteristics of LIBs with electrolyte solution containing small amounts of different low-temperature additives. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses have been also implemented to identify and inspect the detailed mechanism for improving the low temperature performance. References S.S. Zhang, K. Xu and T.R. Jow, Electrochim. Acta, 49, 1057 (2004).K. Xu, Chem. Rev., 104, 4303 (2004).

Electrochemical Characterization of the Lithium-Ion Cells Assembled with Ester-Based Electrolyte at Low Temperature

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have become promising power sources in the field of electric vehicles (EVs) and energy storage systems (ESS) due to their high energy density and long cycle life. However, poor performance of LIBs at low temperature limits their applications, and it is thus essential to improve the low temperature cycling performance. The main requirements of liquid electrolyte for LIBs are high ion conductivity, low viscosity, wide potential window and wide liquid range. One of the most important factors for improving low temperature performance of LIBs is extension of liquid phase range, which can be affected by freezing point of organic solvent. However, it is well known that carbonate-based solvents commonly used in current LIBs exhibit poor ion conductivity and low diffusivity of lithium ion in the electrode at low temperature. A lot of approaches such as using additives to form stable SEI layer and introducing co-solvent to modify electrolyte properties have been adopted to improve cell performance at low temperature. In this study, we propose ester-based solvents to improve low temperature performance of LIBs, which exhibit stable and good cycle performance at low temperature. Analysis techniques such as electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) have been implemented to understand the improvement of low temperature performance of LIBs.

Identification of solid electrolyte interphase formed on graphite electrode cycled in trifluoroethyl aliphatic carboxylate-based electrolytes for low-temperature lithium-ion batteries

Trifluoroethyl aliphatic carboxylates with different length of carbon-chain in acyl groups have been introduced into carbonate-based electrolyte as co-solvents to improve the low-temperature performance of lithium-ion batteries, both in capacity retention and lowering polarization of graphite electrode. To identify the further influence of trifluoroethyl aliphatic carboxylates on graphite electrode, the components and properties of the surface film on graphite electrode cycled in different electrolytes are investigated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and electrochemical measurements. The IR and XPS results show that the chemical species of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) on graphite electrode strongly depend on the selection of co-solvent. For instance, among those species, the content of RCOOLi increases with an increasing number of carbon atoms in RCOOCH2CF3 molecule, wherein R was an alkyl with 1, 3, or 5 carbon atoms. We suggest that the thickness and components of the SEI film play a crucial role on the enhanced low-temperature performance of the lithium-ion batteries.

Lithium-ion battery structure that self-heats at low temperatures.

Lithium-ion batteries suffer severe power loss at temperatures below zero degrees Celsius, limiting their use in applications such as electric cars in cold climates and high-altitude drones. The practical consequences of such power loss are the need for larger, more expensive battery packs to perform engine cold cranking, slow charging in cold weather, restricted regenerative braking, and reduction of vehicle cruise range by as much as 40 per cent. Previous attempts to improve the low-temperature performance of lithium-ion batteries have focused on developing additives to improve the low-temperature behaviour of electrolytes, and on externally heating and insulating the cells. Here we report a lithium-ion battery structure, the 'all-climate battery' cell, that heats itself up from below zero degrees Celsius without requiring external heating devices or electrolyte additives. The self-heating mechanism creates an electrochemical interface that is favourable for high discharge/charge power. We show that the internal warm-up of such a cell to zero degrees Celsius occurs within 20 seconds at minus 20 degrees Celsius and within 30 seconds at minus 30 degrees Celsius, consuming only 3.8 per cent and 5.5 per cent of cell capacity, respectively. The self-heated all-climate battery cell yields a discharge/regeneration power of 1,061/1,425 watts per kilogram at a 50 per cent state of charge and at minus 30 degrees Celsius, delivering 6.4-12.3 times the power of state-of-the-art lithium-ion cells. We expect the all-climate battery to enable engine stop-start technology capable of saving 5-10 per cent of the fuel for 80 million new vehicles manufactured every year. Given that only a small fraction of the battery energy is used for self-heating, we envisage that the all-climate battery cell may also prove useful for plug-in electric vehicles, robotics and space exploration applications.