Impact of Electrode Thickness and Temperature on the Rate Capability of Li4Ti5O12/LiMn2O4 Cells

Abstract

Growing demand for stationary energy storage systems requires the development of low cost, long cycle life, safe batteries. Lithium-ion batteries (LiBs) utilizing Li4Ti5O12 (LTO) anode and LiMn2O4 (LMO) cathode are promising candidates providing critical-material-free chemistry, high power capability, and long lifespan. However, their low energy density is a major drawback. In this work, we evaluate the rate performance of LTO/LMO cells fabricated with electrode loadings from 1.7 to 4.2 mAh cm−2 toward the development of high energy density and low cost LTO/LMO cells. The operating temperature is varied from 30 °C to 55 °C to evaluate the impact of electrode thickness vs temperature limitations on the electrode utilization. In addition, Newman modeling is performed to provide detailed understandings of the cell performance. Combining experimental and simulated results, we show the rate capability of the thicker electrodes is limited by the electrolyte transport. When the cells are discharged by applying pulsed current, Li+ ion depletion is mitigated and the discharge capacity increases. Thus, high energy density LTO/LMO cells for BTMS applications can operate more efficiently when intermittent rest is applied. Finally, overcoming electrolyte transport limitations will be the key to enabling the development of high energy density LTO/LMO cells using thick electrodes.

Document Details

Document Type
Pub Defense Publication
Publication Date
Nov 01, 2021
Source ID
10.1149/1945-7111/ac3781

Entities

People

  • Andrew M. Colclasure
  • Andrew N. Jansen
  • Anthony Burrell
  • Kevin L Gering
  • Kyusung Park
  • Shabbir Ahmed
  • Stephen E. Trask
  • Yeyoung Ha

Organizations

  • United States Department of Energy

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Materials science

Readers

  • Battery Technology and Engineering
  • Electrochemical Engineering/ Fuel Cell Technologies
  • Systems Analysis and Design