The main challenge that hinders the use of lithium (Li)-ion batteries in space applications is their low performance at ultra-low temperatures. Such low performance is mostly due to the low ionic conductivity and freezing of the non-solid electrolyte leading to a significant loss in the battery’s capacity. In this research, the behavior of Li-ion batteries is investigated by employing electrochemical characterization techniques to study their performance at low temperatures. The findings of this research indicate that the capacity of Li-ion batteries is decreased greatly at subzero temperature. Cyclic voltammetry profiles show that the peak separation increases with decreasing the temperature while the current decreases. The charge transfer resistance increases due to the freezing of the non-solid electrolyte, which leads to unstable Solid Electrolyte Interphase (SEI) film formation and weak permeation of electrolyte into the active material. The capacity decreases due to a significant decrease in the diffusivity of Li ions and substantially increased charge-transfer resistance. The half-cell retains nearly 62% of its room-temperature capacity at 0 °C and its capacity degraded completely at -30 °C while the full-cell retains 58% at 0 °C and completely degraded at -20 °C. This can be ascribed to the low diffusivity of Li ions which affects the interface stability between the cathode and the electrolyte. This study contributes to the development of Li-ion batteries for low temperature and space applications by understanding the electrochemical behavior of Li-ion batteries.

Electrochemical analysis of Li-ion battery for low-temperature space applications

ACS Fall 2021

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.