PNNL

Abstract

Lithium-ion batteries utilizing manganese based cathodes have received considerable interest in recent years for their lower cost and favorable environmental friendliness relative to their cobalt counterparts. However, Li-ion batteries using manganese based cathodes and graphite anodes suffer from severe capacity fading at higher operating temperature. In this article, we report on an astute investigation into how the dissolution of manganese impacts the capacity fading within the Li-ion batteries. Our investigation reveals that the manganese dissolves from the cathode, transports to the graphite electrode, and deposits onto the outer surface of the inner most solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer which is known to be a mixture of inorganic salts (e.g. Li2CO3, LiF, and Li2O). In this location, the manganese facilitates the reduction of the electrolyte and the subsequent formation of lithium containing products on the graphite which removes lithium ions from the normal operation of the cell and thereby induces the severe capacity fade.