Influence of external loads on the cycling performance of silicon anode lithium-ion batteries

doi:10.19799/j.cnki.2095-4239.2024.0150

Abstract

Abstract:

Silicon, which has high specific capacity and low voltage characteristics, is considered one of the most promising anode materials for lithium-ion batteries. However, the significant volume expansion of silicon electrodes during lithiation/delithiation processes, along with the associated material fracturing and pulverization processes, limits its rate performance and cycling stability. Existing studies have demonstrated that applying external loads to silicon electrodes during cycling can effectively enhance the cycling performance of silicon-based batteries. This study proposes a macroscopic control method by applying external mechanical loads to enhance the capacity retention of silicon-electrode lithium-ion batteries. We employed a custom-designed, in situ loading device connected with a battery cycling tester and CR2032 button cells as the experimental objects, and the effectiveness of this method was evaluated using cycling tests. The experimental results demonstrate that applying a 0.2 MPa axial external load on the surface of the CR2032 cells effectively suppress the expansion of the silicon electrodes during the charge-discharge processes and regulates the internal state of the battery. After 50 charge-discharge cycles, the capacity retention rate increases from 59% without external loads to 70%. Additionally, considering the different stress states of the silicon electrode active material particles during the lithiation and delithiation processes, we propose a novel control method by applying a 0.1 MPa external load during the lithiation stage and a 0.2 MPa load during the delithiation stage in the cycling process. The experimental results demonstrate that this method can further improve the cycling performance of silicon-based lithium-ion batteries. Moreover, the scanning electron microscopy imaging results of the electrode surface also support this conclusion. The method of applying external mechanical loads used in this study provides important insights for improving the performance of silicon-based electrodes in lithium-ion batteries from a macroscopic perspective.

Key words: lithium battery, silicon electrode, external load, electrochemical performance

CLC Number:

O 646

Yinan HE, Kai ZHANG, Junwu ZHOU, Xinyang WANG, Bailin ZHENG. Influence of external loads on the cycling performance of silicon anode lithium-ion batteries[J]. Energy Storage Science and Technology, 2024, 13(8): 2559-2569.

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参数Parameter	数值/方式 Value/Method
驱动方式Driving method	交流步进电机驱动AC stepper motor drive
力值范围Force range	1~1000 N
测力精度Force measurement accuracy	±1%
单位转换Unit conversion	kg, N, lb
挤压行程Squeeze length	1~200 mm
力值显示Force value display	PLC触摸屏显示 PLC touch screen display
电池挤压头Battery extrusion head	标准挤压头，面积>20 cm²Standard extrusion head, area>20 cm²
挤压程度Squeezing degree	挤压载荷达到预定载荷值后，保持该载荷直到充电/放电行为完成时结束 After the compression load reaches the predetermined load value, maintain the load until the charging/discharging behavior is completed.
箱体材质Cabinet’s material	外箱冷轧钢板喷塑处理Spraying treatment of cold-rolled steel plate for outer box
测试空间Test space	直径100 mm压盘Pressure plate with a diameter of 100 mm
外形尺寸External dimensions	约1000 mm×800 mm×650 mm(长×宽×高) Approximately 1000×800×650 mm³ (length×width×height)
设备重量Equipment weight	约220 kg Approximately 220 kg
电源需求Power demand	AC220 V, 50 Hz

组号 Group number	充放电电流 Charging and discharging current	组别 Group	充电载荷 Charging load	放电载荷 Discharging Load	分类 classification
1	0.2C	对照组 control group	0.0 MPa		恒定压力实验组 Constant pressure experimental group
2		实验组 experimental group	0.1 MPa
3			0.2 MPa
4			0.3 MPa
5			0.4 MPa
6			0.1 MPa	0.2 MPa	变压力实验组 Variable pressure experimental group
7			0.2 MPa	0.1 MPa	变压力实验组 Variable pressure experimental group

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