Diagnostic examination of thermall abused high-power lithium-ion cells.
The inherent thermal instability of lithium-ion cells is a significant impediment to their widespread commercialization for hybrid-electric vehicle applications. Cells containing conventional organic electrolyte-based chemistries are prone to thermal runaway at temperatures around 180 C. We conducted accelerating rate calorimetry measurements on high-power 18650-type lithium-ion cells in an effort to decipher the sequence of events leading to thermal runaway. In addition, electrode and separator samples harvested from a cell that was heated to 150 C then air-quenched to room temperature were examined by microscopy, spectroscopy, and diffraction techniques. Self-heating of the cell began at 84 C. The gases generated in the cell included CO{sub 2} and CO, and smaller quantities of H{sub 2}, C{sub 2}H{sub 4}, CH{sub 4}, and C{sub 2}H{sub 6}. The main changes on cell heating to 150 C were observed on the anode surface, which was covered by a thick layer of surface deposits that included LiF and inorganic and organo-phosphate compounds. The sources of gas generation and the mechanisms leading to the formation of compounds observed on the electrode surfaces are discussed.
- Research Organization:
- Argonne National Lab. (ANL), Argonne, IL (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- EE; USDOE
- DOE Contract Number:
- DE-AC02-06CH11357
- OSTI ID:
- 925307
- Report Number(s):
- ANL/CMT/JA-55597; JPSODZ; TRN: US200807%%101
- Journal Information:
- J. of Power Sources, Vol. 161, Issue 1 ; 2006; ISSN 0378-7753
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- ENGLISH
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