Low temperature Li-ion battery ageing

Sammanfattning: Different kinds of batteries suit different applications, and consequently several different chemistries exist. In order to better understand the limitations of low temperature performance, a Li-ion battery chemistry normally intended for room temperature use, graphite-Lithium Iron Phosphate, with 1 M LiPF6 ethylene carbonate:diethylene carbonate electrolyte, is here put under testing at -10°C and compared with room temperature cycling performance. Understanding the temperature limitations of this battery chemistry will give better understanding of the desired properties of a substitute using alternative materials. The experimental studies have comprised a combination of battery cycle testing, and surface analysis of the electrodes by Scanning Electron Microscopy and X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy. Results showed that with low enough rate, temperature is less of a problem, but with increased charge rate, there are increasingly severe effects on performance at low temperatures. XPS measurements of low charge rate samples showed similar Solid Electrolyte Interface layers formed on the graphite anode for room- and low temperature batteries, but with indications of a thicker layer on the former. A section of the report handles specific low temperature battery chemistries. The conclusions- and outlook were made by comparing the results found in the study with earlier findings on low temperature Li-ion batteries and present possible approaches for modifying battery performance at lowered temperatures.