Impact of different aging mechanisms on the thickness change and the quick-charge capability of lithium-ion cells

Abstract Different aging mechanisms occur in lithium-ion cells, such as calendar aging during storage, cycle aging while charging and discharging, and aging due to lithium plating caused by excessive charging currents. This work shows that the maximum permissible charging current depends on the aging type and aging degree of the lithium-ion cell and has to be considered accordingly. For this purpose, calendar aged, cycled aged and due to lithium plating aged cells were prepared and measured using the cell thickness method. Our results show that the charging current has to be reduced after calendar aging and aging due to lithium plating. For cycled aged cells it is even possible to increase the charging current. Finally, an in-situ analysis method for determining the aging type is developed, which is based on thickness and voltage change patterns that are typical for each aging type.