Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy response study of a commercial graphite-based negative electrode for Li-ion batteries as function of the cell state of charge and ageing
Résumé
The successful development of electrified vehicles is a key factor in the transition to a more
environmentally friendly transportation sector. Li-ion batteries, which are today’s choice to power
electrified vehicles, have to fulfill more stringent requirements in terms of ageing and need advanced
tools to study the interfaces evolution upon cycling. This work is thus focused on understanding the
impedance behavior of a commercial graphite-based negative electrode, which is used in a Li-ion battery
designed for such vehicles. 3-electrode pouch cells were assembled with such negative electrode, a LMOlayered
oxide-based positive electrode, a Celgard1type separator soaked with a carbonate solvents-LiPF6
mixture electrolyte and a LTO-based electrode as reference. Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy
measurements were performed at different cell states of charge and ageing times. The impedance of the
graphite-based anode is analyzed for
first time with de Levie’s equation for porous electrodes. The
analysis is supported by designed SEI layer formation experiments with vinylene carbonate and vinylene
ethyl carbonate additives. The high frequency domain of the interfacial kinetic loop reflects porosity
effects and the graphite particles–composite matrix electric tranfer. The SEI layer and charge transfer
phenomena are reflected in the medium and medium to low frequency domains respectively, and their
impedance contributions depend on the Li content of the graphite particles. Upon ageing, the interfacial
impedance of the graphite-based electrode should increase due to SEI layer growing. However, from 100%
to 80% of battery capacity retention, the impedance decreases. Our analysis backed by post-mortem
characterizations allows to assign this unexpected behavior to porosity rise and slight Mn-contamination
of the SEI layer.