Precise in-situ and ex-situ study on thermal behavior of LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2/graphite coin cell: From part to the whole cell

Abstract Multiple mode calorimetry and C80 micro-calorimeter are used to investigate the impact of cathode and anode on heat generation of lithium ion battery. The thermal behaviors of LiNixCoyMnzO2/graphite full cell are discussed under normal operating and elevating temperature. Affected by negative entropy change, lithium intercalation presents more exotherms than deintercalation for both electrode materials. The contributions of irreversible and reversible heat to the total heat generation of graphite are evaluated. The phase transitions correlated with voltages and lithium contents are determined. Based on the analysis of half-cell, the effect of two electrodes (with the same capacity) on overall heat generation is nearly the same and anode of full cell plays a key role in charging while cathode dominates in discharging. Thermal behaviors of lithiated graphite and delithiated LiNixCoyMnzO2, electrolyte and their coexisting system are identified to further explore their influence on battery safety. The breakdown of solid electrolyte interface (SEI) at around 82 °C is considered as a crucial factor affecting the thermal stability of full cell. The oxidation of electrolyte induced by oxygen released from cathode material turns out to be one of the main heat sources. These accurate results are of great significance to improve the existing thermal management system and provide basic data for the prediction of battery performance.