Dilatometric and mass spectrometric investigations on lithium ion battery anode materials

Lithium ion batteries operate beyond the thermodynamic stability of the aprotic organic electrolyte used. In 1 M LiClO4 propylene carbonate electrolyte, with and without the addition of ethylene sulfite as a film forming electrolyte additive, we have used in situ electrochemical dilatometry and on-line electrochemical mass spectrometry to study the volume expansion/contraction of graphitic anodes and the formation of propylene gas, which both can occur during the graphite anode reduction (charge) process. The combination of both methods allows us to get insights into the respective electrolyte reduction mechanisms. The results indicate that the major failure mechanisms of graphitic anodes in pure PC electrolyte can be attributed to the intercalation of solvated lithium ions and the formation of propylene gas, which causes the graphite particles to exfoliate and crack.