Experimental Investigation of Overdischarge Effects on Commercial Li-Ion Cells

Due to their attractive properties, such as high energy and power density, Lithium-ion batteries are currently the most suitable energy storage system for powering portable electronic equipment, electric vehicles, etc. However, they are still affected by safety and stability problems that need to be solved to allow a wider range of applications, especially for critical areas such as power networks and aeronautics. In this paper, the issue of overdischarge abuse has been addressed on Lithium-ion cells with different anode materials: a graphite-based anode and a Lithium Titanate Oxide (LTO)-based anode model. Tests were carried out at different depths of discharge (DOD%) in order to determine the effect of DOD% on cell performance and the critical conditions that often make the cell fail irreversibly. Tests on graphite anode cells have shown that at DOD% higher than 110% the cell is damaged irreversibly; while at DOD% lower than 110% electrolyte deposits form on the anodic surface and structural damage affects the cathode during cycling after the overdischarge. Furthermore, at any DOD%, copper deposits are found on the anode. In contrast with the graphite anode, it was always possible to recharge the LTO-based anode cells and restore their operation, though in the case of DOD% of 140% a drastic reduction in the recovered capacity was observed. In no case was there any venting of the cell, or any explosive event.

Automated summary

Lithium-ion batteries are currently the most suitable energy storage system for powering portable electronic equipment and electric vehicles due to their attractive properties. However, safety and stability problems still need to be solved for wider applications, particularly in critical areas such as power networks and aeronautics.