Effect of electrolyte transport properties and variations in the morphological parameters on the variation of side reaction rate across the anode electrode and the aging of lithium ion batteries

In this work, for the first time, we model the variation of solid electrolyte interface (SEI) across the depth of anode electrode of lithium ion battery. It is anticipated that due to higher thickness of SEI layer at the electrode side connected to the separator, a more critical condition prevails there. The present work also investigates the effects of variations in the morphological parameters including porosity, interfacial surface area and active particle radius across anode electrode on the uniformity of side reaction. Moreover, the sensitivity of the side reaction uniformity to electrolyte parameters, such as diffusion and ionic conductivity, is studied. Results show that the ionic conductivity has a major role on the uniformity, and could reduce critical conditions in the part of electrode next to the separator. Moreover, simulation results show that increasing ionic conductivity could significantly prolong the lifetime of the battery. An increase in electrolyte diffusion improves side reaction uniformity. Results also show that positive gradients of morphological parameters across anode electrode, when parameters are changed independently, have considerable effects on uniformity of side reaction. This could be a criterion in choosing new morphologies for the part of anode electrode connected to separator. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.