Lithium-ion Battery Research Research Articles

Lithium ion battery research and development: the Nigerian potential

Lithium-ion batteries (LiBs) are growing in popularity as energy storage devices. Handheld, portable electronic devices use LiBs based on Lithium Cobalt Oxide (LiCoO2) which in spite of its attendant safety risks offers high energy density. Other types of LiBsbased on Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4), Lithium-ion manganese oxide (LiMn2O4, Li2MnO3, or LMO), and Lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (LiNiMnCoO2 or NMC) have better safety issues with lower energy density. These batteries which are rechargeable are used in cell phones, laptops and tablets, electric and hybrid cars (EV), grid storage, cordless power tools, medical equipment, and other high-tech devices. Nigeria, with a population above two hundred million, is a big market for lithium-ion batteries. The mineral ore for the cathode of lithium-ion batteries is available in Kogi, Nasarawa, Ekiti, Kwara, Cross River, Oyo, and the Plateau States. These include amblygonite(Li,Na)AlPO4(F,OH), Lithium Sodium Aluminum Phosphate Fluoride Hydroxide and lepidolite (K(Li,Al)3(Al,Si, Rb)4O10(F,OH)2, Potassium lithium aluminum silicate hydroxide fluoride, spodumene: (LiAl(SiO3)2 Lithium Aluminum Silicate, petalite: (LiAl(Si2O5)2 aluminum hydroxy-[hydroxy(oxo)silyl]oxy- oxosilane; lithium), and graphite which is used as the anode material is available in Kaduna and the Adamawa States. In view of these available resources, the Projects Development Institute (PRODA) Enugu, a Science and Engineering based Research Institute under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology has pioneered battery research and development with a particular focus on Lithium-ion batteries. It is expected in the long run that lithium-ion batteries would be produced locally for rechargeable lanterns in view of the country’s energy deficit. This would spring up small and medium enterprises that would drive the economy by the beneficiation and refining of the content of the raw material which is available in the country and thus creating wealth for our citizenry.

Graphene caging core-shell Si@Cu nanoparticles anchored on graphene sheets for lithium-ion battery anode with enhanced reversible capacity and cyclic performance

With the large-scale practical application of electric vehicles and mobile devices, more and more attention has been focused on the research of high specific capacity lithium-ion batteries (LiBs) anode materials. Novel graphene caging core-shell Si@Cu nanoparticles anchored on graphene sheets (Si@Cu@rGO) anode was prepared by deposition-precipitation and one-step thermal reduction methods. During the preparation, CuC2O4 and graphene oxide are simultaneously reduced and coated on silicon nanoparticles. Introduced copper can enhance charge transfer kinetics of the electrode and suppress the tight cluster of Si nanoparticles. Besides, the graphene nanocage outside Si@Cu nanoparticle restricts polarization and pulverization of silicon inside itself. Graphene provides not only buffering space for core-shell Si@Cu nanoparticles to expand but also a conductive network to enhance the electronic conductivity and flexibility of the electrode. Therefore, the synergism of copper shells and graphene sheets improved electrochemical performance. The Si@Cu@rGO composites exhibited the reversible capacity of 2095.2 mAh g−1 at 200 mA g−1 after 50 cycles, showing extraordinary electrochemical performance. This outstanding Si@Cu@rGO anode becomes an ideal candidate for superior silicon-based lithium-ion battery applications.

Highly conductive divalent fluorosulfonyl imide based electrolytes improving Li-ion battery performance: Additive potentiating electrolytes action

Imide-based electrolyte salts are crucial in lithium-ion battery (LIB) research, due to their high oxidative capacity, thermal performance, and cycling stability. LIBs with imide electrolytes exhibit slow charge-discharge (CD) capacity and high efficiency, even though most of these electrolytes show low ionic conductivity (σ). Herein, we have synthesized two highly conductive and pure divalent imide electrolytes, lithium sulfonylbis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (LiSFSI) and lithium (1,3-phenylenedisulfonyl)bis(fluoro sulfonyl)imide (LiPDSFSI), for LIBs application. Compared to LiPDSFSI electrolyte, the LiSFSI imide electrolyte with mixed solvent ethylene carbonate (EC) and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) (75:25 v/v) exhibits better electrochemical stability, σ, transference number (tL+), cycling stability, and high specific capacity of 142 mAhg−1 with the full cell battery configuration of LiFePO4/electrolytes/graphite at 0.1 C. Additionally, lithium bis(fluoro-sulfonyl)imide (LiFSI) (20%), as additive, improve their performance substantially. The results demonstrate that the LiSFSI electrolyte with LiFSI additive shows maximum σ (8.9 mS/cm at 30 °C), tLi+ (0.64), and anodic stability (5.47 V), which concurrently delivers high efficiency and improves specific capacity to 156 mAhg−1 with excellent capacity retention (99.93%) after 500 CD cycles with the full cell LiFePO4/electrolytes/graphite battery system.

Applications of Voltammetry in Lithium Ion Battery Research

Applications of Voltammetry in Lithium Ion Battery Research

Development tendency and future response about the recycling methods of spent lithium-ion batteries based on bibliometrics analysis

Abstract With the rapid development of electric vehicles and portable electronics, lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are increasingly widely used in our daily life. At the same time, how to deal with the spent LIBs has been a hot study topic as well. 383 relevant articles were obtained in Web of Science Core Collection and a bibliometrics analysis about the recycling of spent LIBs was conducted by Excel, BibExcel and Pajek. According to the analytical results, the research of LIBs recycling has been growing fast and relevant achievements will continue to increase in the future. China is the most active country in this field. Central South University and Beijing Institute of Technology in China is the most productive single and collaborative institution, respectively. Journal of Power Sources has published the most articles compared with other journals. On the basis of the statistical data hydrometallurgical process with acid leaching and valuable metals has been the main recycling method and object of study. Other routes and components also received attention and have potential to be developed and recycled in the future. Before the complete recycling system is established, there would stillbe much detailed work in many respects to be accomplished to tackle the coming wave of spent LIBs in the near future. This article has performed a quantitative analysis of the development tendency about the recycling methods of spent lithium-ion batteries and will provide experienced reference for intended researchers interested in this field.

Lithium ion battery electrolyte degradation of field-tested electric vehicle battery cells – A comprehensive analytical study

The advancements in lithium ion battery (LIB) research extended its application to the automotive sector. Today, LIBs promise the potential of a greenhouse gas emission-reduced transportation sector to counteract climate change. However, challenging requirements on LIBs regarding fast-charging, energy density, safety and lifetime have to be met for costly battery-powered electric vehicles in order to achieve market implementation. Thus, the study of degradation mechanisms on cell level contributes to the understanding of aging phenomena and will enable improvements for future generations of LIBs. Electrolytes from LIB cells of field-tested electric vehicles of five global original equipment manufacturers were investigated by complementary analytical techniques, giving insights into the feasibility of analysis LIB electrolytes beyond lab-scale. The application of a whole series of established analytical techniques allows to comprehensively analyze LIB electrolytes and to provide reliable conclusions about the LIB cell chemistry. This study interrelates findings through elaboration of the status quo of aged LIB electrolytes after field-tests in terms of degradation and proposed pristine composition (reverse-engineering estimate) of the electrolyte for the first time.

Investigating SEI Formation Methods on the Graphite Anode Interface Using Nuclear Reaction Analysis

Observing and managing the functional characteristics of solid electrolyte interphases (SEIs) has been a central topic in lithium-ion battery research for many years. Recently, Antonopoulos et al. reported that forming SEIs on composite graphite electrodes in a high-potential region (1.2 - 0.78 V vs. Li/Li+) has a significant influence on rate capability in half cell formats. [1] In our work, we reviewed several formation methods in full cell devices and studied their impact on the SEI via Li nuclear reaction analysis (Li-NRA) measurements on post-mortem electrodes. This novel technique was previously used to study Li-ion electrode interfaces by Schultz et al. (2017). By detecting gamma emissions from the reaction [7Li (p,γ)8Be] between incident hydrogen ions of specific energies and Li in the sample, we obtained a qualified Li content profile. The NRA results were compared with secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) depth profiles and X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS). These profiles showed relatively high levels of lithium in the surface region of the anode (~150 nm deep) with variation among electrodes using different formation procedures. This finding, connected with a reduced rate capability for some cells, implies that the buildup of Li at the anode interface may be an important factor influencing the full cell performance after formation.

Hydrothermally synthesized MnSe as high cycle stability anode material for lithium-ion battery

Seeking for superior electrode materials is a significant project in lithium-ion battery research interests. In this paper, pure MnSe was synthesized via a simple hydrothermal method, which exhibits high crystalline and lamellar plate microstructure by systematical characterization analysis. Further, the as-synthesized MnSe was investigated for electrochemical performance as anode material of lithium-ion battery via correlative measurements. In the half-cell tests, the MnSe lithium-ion battery has delivered large specific capacity (302.7 mAh g−1 at 0.2 C), proper voltage platform, excellent rate performance, satisfactory reversibility, and outstanding ionic conductivity. It should be noted that the capacity retention of battery can reach up to 70.8% even after 3000 times cycle at 5.0 C current density, demonstrating remarkable cycle stability. This work not only reveals superior performance of MnSe materials from a different perspective but also provides a potential practical candidate for lithium-ion battery anode.

Atomic layer deposition of ZnO–SnO2 composite thin film: The influence of structure, composition and crystallinity on lithium-ion battery performance

To increase energy density in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), novel anode materials are considered based on conversion and alloying mechanisms as these typically possess far higher storage capacity than graphite, however, cyclability of these compounds is typically poor. To overcome these issues, ternary or ‘mixed’ compounds are considered. However, the degree of mixing is often overlooked. Here, Atomic layer deposition (ALD) is used to investigate the influence of the degree of mixing, composition and crystallinity of ZnO–SnO2 ternary materials as LIB anodes. Firstly, two different mixing nanostructures of thin-film ZnO–SnO2 electrodes are constructed: atomically intermixed films where the Zn, Sn and O are mixed at the atomic scale in a single amorphous layer, and nanolaminated films where the ZnO layer and SnO2 layers form a structure with well-defined interfaces. Secondly, by tuning the ratio of ZnO and SnO2, different compositions are obtained. Finally, when ZnO–SnO2 composite films are annealed post-deposition, these can be crystallized to form Zn2SnO4 films. The electrochemical performances of these different variations of ternary ZnO–SnO2 composites were investigated as anode materials in LIBs. This demonstrated the potential of ALD as a research tool in LIBs research and revealed the importance of atomic scale intermixing in these ternary oxides as anodes.

Oxygen Vacancy Diffusion and Condensation in Lithium‐Ion Battery Cathode Materials

AbstractOxygen vacancies (OV) are native defects in transition metal (TM) oxides and their presence has a critical effect on the physicochemical properties of the oxide. Metal oxides are commonly used in lithium‐ion battery (LIB) cathodes and there is still a lack of understanding of the role of OVs in LIB research field. Here, we report on the behavior of OVs in a single‐crystal LIB cathode during the non‐equilibrium states of charge and discharge. We found that microcrack evolution in a single crystal occurs due to OV condensation in specific crystallographic orientations generated by the continuous migration of OVs and TM ions. Moreover, understanding the effects of the presence and diffusion of OVs in metal oxides enables the elucidation of most of the conventional mechanisms of capacity fading in LIBs and provides new insights for new electrochemical applications.

Oxygen Vacancy Diffusion and Condensation in Lithium-Ion Battery Cathode Materials.

Oxygen vacancies (OV) are native defects in transition metal (TM) oxides and their presence has a critical effect on the physicochemical properties of the oxide. Metal oxides are commonly used in lithium-ion battery (LIB) cathodes and there is still a lack of understanding of the role of OVs in LIB research field. Here, we report on the behavior of OVs in a single-crystal LIB cathode during the non-equilibrium states of charge and discharge. We found that microcrack evolution in a single crystal occurs due to OV condensation in specific crystallographic orientations generated by the continuous migration of OVs and TM ions. Moreover, understanding the effects of the presence and diffusion of OVs in metal oxides enables the elucidation of most of the conventional mechanisms of capacity fading in LIBs and provides new insights for new electrochemical applications.

Toward a durable solid electrolyte film on the electrodes for Li-ion batteries with high performance

The research, development and application of high energy density lithium ion batteries are strictly restricted by several challenges, particularly the severe capacity degradation of the batteries at high voltage and elevated temperature. In this work, beneficial surface films are simultaneously formed on both electrodes of a 4.5 V graphite│LiNi0.5Mn0.3Co0.2O2 pouch cell via reduction and oxidation polymerizations of a novel multifunctional additive Tripropargyl Phosphate (TPP). The results demonstrate that the addition of 1.0 wt% TPP into the pouch cell not only improves its initial coulombic efficiency by 4.4%, but also remarkably enhances its cycling stability at both 25 °C and 55 °C. The enhanced cycling stability at high temperature can be attributed to the capture of acidic corrosive species in the electrolyte and the construction of robust protective films on the surface of the electrodes. These two effects significantly mitigate the decomposition of Ethyl Methyl Carbonate (EMC), reduce the dissolution of transition metal from cathode, and eliminate the formation of cracks inside the LiNi0.5Mn0.3Co0.2O2 and graphite particles.

Development of manganese-rich cathodes as alternatives to nickel-rich chemistries

High-energy, inexpensive and safe electrochemistries have been the main goals of lithium-ion battery research for many years. Historically, manganese-based cathodes have long been studied for their attractive cost and safety characteristics [1]. However, due to issues related to both surface and bulk instabilities, manganese-rich electrodes have yet to find substantial success in the high-energy lithium-ion battery market. With current trends in cathode chemistries leaning heavily toward Ni-rich compositions, the factors of cost and safety are again at the forefront of research and development efforts. This paper reports the recent progress made at Argonne National Laboratory (USA) to stabilize manganese-rich cathode structures and surfaces with a specific focus on composite materials with intergrown layered and spinel components; it presents an overview of their electrochemical properties in terms of capacity, energy, and cycle-life in cells with metallic lithium, graphite, and Li4Ti5O12 anodes. These layered-spinel cathodes show promise as alternatives to highly nickel-rich electrode compositions, which bodes well for continued advances.

Review of Recent Development of In Situ/Operando Characterization Techniques for Lithium Battery Research.

The increasing demands of energy storage require the significant improvement of current Li-ion battery electrode materials and the development of advanced electrode materials. Thus, it is necessary to gain an in-depth understanding of the reaction processes, degradation mechanism, and thermal decomposition mechanisms under realistic operation conditions. This understanding can be obtained by in situ/operando characterization techniques, which provide information on the structure evolution, redox mechanism, solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) formation, side reactions, and Li-ion transport properties under operating conditions. Here, the recent developments in the in situ/operando techniques employed for the investigation of the structural stability, dynamic properties, chemical environment changes, and morphological evolution are described and summarized. The experimental approaches reviewed here include X-ray, electron, neutron, optical, and scanning probes. The experimental methods and operating principles, especially the in situ cell designs, are described in detail. Representative studies of the in situ/operando techniques are summarized, and finally the major current challenges and future opportunities are discussed. Several important battery challenges are likely to benefit from these in situ/operando techniques, including the inhomogeneous reactions of high-energy-density cathodes, the development of safe and reversible Li metal plating, and the development of stable SEI.

An insight into the errors and uncertainty of the lithium-ion battery characterisation experiments

Abstract Errors and uncertainty within the experimental results have long-term implications in lithium-ion battery research. Experimental directly feed into the development of different battery models, thus having a direct impact on the accuracy of the models, which are commonly employed to forecast short to long term battery performance. The estimations made by such models underpin the design of key functions within the BMS, such as state of charge and state of health estimation. Therefore, erroneous experimental results could evolve into a much larger issue such as the early retirement of a battery pack from the end-use application. For original equipment manufacturers (OEM), such as automotive OEMs this may have a significant impact, e.g. high warranty returns and damage to the brand. Although occasionally reported in published results, currently, little research exists within the literature to systematically define the error and uncertainty of battery experimental results. This article focuses on the fundamental sources of error and uncertainty from experimental setup and procedure and suggests control measures to remove or minimize the contributions from the sources identified. Our research shows that by implementing the control measures proposed, the error and uncertainty can be reduced to around 0.6%, from the figure of around 4.0%.

Synthesis and application of electrode materials for lithiumion batteries

Lithium-ion battery has been widely used in various portable electronic products due to its benefits of high energy density, power density and average output voltage, longer cycle life and so on. However, the traditional LiCoO2 cathode material has many problems, such as resource scarcity, high price, toxicity and small actual specific capacity, which cannot meet the current development needs of lithium-ion batteries. Therefore, the development of new high capacity and low price electrode materials is one of the focuses of lithium-ion battery research. This paper summarizes the development and pros/cons of organic and inorganic hybrid materials, conductive polymers and transition metal chalcogenides as new electrode materials, covering the design, synthesis and electrochemical properties of each material. Meanwhile, the structure and morphology of the new electrode material can be characterized by means of transmission electron microscope, scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectrum, infrared spectrum and other characterization methods, which could explain the performance of lithium storage.

Advanced Spectroelectrochemical Techniques to Study Electrode Interfaces Within Lithium-Ion and Lithium-Oxygen Batteries

Lithium battery technologies have revolutionized mobile energy storage, but improvements in the technology are still needed. Critical to delivering new light weight, high capacity, safe devices is an improved understanding of the dynamic processes occurring at the electrode-electrolyte interfaces. Therefore, alongside advances in materials there has been a parallel progression in advanced characterization methods. Herein, recent developments for operando spectro-electrochemical techniques centered on Raman, infrared, and sum frequency generation are described within the context of lithium-ion and non-aqueous lithium-oxygen battery research. In particular, shell-isolated nanoparticles for enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SHINERS), surface-enhanced infrared absorption spectroscopy (SEIRAS), and near-field infrared are explained and critically evaluated, and future opportunities discussed. The aim is to introduce the wider community to the developing range of methodologies and tools now available in the hope that it encourages greater usage across the sector.

Analysis of technological knowledge stock and prediction of its future development potential: The case of lithium-ion batteries

Amidst growing environmental challenges and increasing penetration of sustainable energy production, the development of efficient energy storage system (EES) is indispensable to fully benefit from the use of intermittent renewable energy sources. Although lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have been the dominant energy storage technology for applications in consumer electronics, electrified transportation and stationary electricity storage, further technological progress is required for achieving the climate protection objectives. In this context, continuous exploration of new technological opportunities is favorable to advance the global energy transition towards sustainability to success. To facilitate such progress and to avoid potential technological lock-in situation, understanding the underlying latent knowledge construct revealed in patents may prove beneficial. However, previous studies have either focused on analyzing the technological improvements along a particular development path or emphasizing the necessity for improvements in environmental-economic dimensions. Accordingly, a novel patent-based analysis framework is proposed to obtain an inclusive view on the continuing path of technology development concerning the research of LIBs as well as to predict its future development potential based on two machine learning algorithms: Principal component analysis (PCA) and random forest classifier (RFC). In this study, PCA is firstly applied to group various knowledge areas into key technological knowledge stocks. Building upon these results, RFC is adopted to forecast the future developmental potential of technological knowledge areas. The findings show that the research landscape of LIBs is a dynamic environment where new knowledge stocks emerged overtime and the identified knowledge stocks within a defined time interval play an orchestrating role in the advancement of lithium-ion battery technology. In particular, knowledge stocks related to battery management system and hybrid capacitors have gained relevance. The proposed analysis framework can be used to track the past chronology of knowledge accumulation trajectory and can proactively enhance the knowledge management capabilities of experts, who wish to create a path towards a low-carbon economy.

Electron microscopy and its role in advanced lithium-ion battery research

Electron microscopy (EM), specifically in situ, is a powerful analytical and characterisation technique that is widely used to study electrode materials for battery applications.

Case Study of Lithium-ion Battery Research of Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences: On Model of Whole-chain Innovation of National Research Organization of China

Case Study of Lithium-ion Battery Research of Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences: On Model of Whole-chain Innovation of National Research Organization of China