Mechanistic determination of thermally induced electrochemical modifications in lithium batteries
Abstract
Lithium batteries are being developed and used to power a range of applications because of their high energy and power density and e,xceptional Coulombic efficiency, but their safety and reliability concerns are currently limiting their integration into Naval platf,orms. Lithium battery failures are often caused by dendritic protrusions that form during electrochemical cycling. The thermal con,ditions under which this cycling is performed is of critical importance because of its impact on Li plating (e.g., dendrites) and op,erational characteristics. We have recently studied the influence of thermal gradients and transients on Li-ion and Li-metal electr,ochemistry and found that they can significantly impact cell performance and safety. However, the electrochemical mechanisms respon,sible for these observed phenomena are not known. Thus, there is an urgent need to determine the mechanisms responsible for the alt,ered characteristics of lithium batteries during thermal gradient and transient conditions. The overall objective of this project is, to determine the mechanistic underpinnings responsible for the electrochemical modifications within the cell when subjected to ther,mal gradient and transient conditions. Our central hypothesis is that sub-cell level transport processes (e.g., at the electrodes,, SEI layer, etc.) are responsible for the observed changes in electrochemical behavior under thermal gradient conditions. --We plan, to attain the overall objective for this project by pursuing the following aims: (i) characterize the effects of thermal gradients, and transients on lithium cells, (ii) quantify the implications of thermal gradients and transients on cell self-heating and therma,l runaway characteristics, (iii) understand the origin of the polarization (overpotential) effects under thermal transients and grad,ients using comprehensive electrochemical analysis, and (iv) determine the mechanisms and role of thermal gradients using in-situ an,d in-operando measurement techniques. Upon completion of the proposed project, we expect to have identified and developed a broad u,nderstanding of the mechanisms that govern the thermo-electrochemical interactions in lithium batteries that can be universally exte,nded to other electrochemical systems, which would help promote the adoption of lithium batteries and future advanced electrochemica,l systems into Naval platforms.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- May 16, 2022
- Source ID
- N000142212411
Entities
People
- Todd A. Kingston
Organizations
- Iowa State University
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy