Enhancing low-temperature lithium-ion battery performance under high-rate conditions with niobium oxides

• Published in: Materials today energy 2024-10, Vol.45, p.101663, Article 101663
• Main Authors: Pogue, Elizabeth A., Langevin, Spencer A., Hamann, Tanner, Rao, Karun K., Schroeder, Marshall A., Le, Nam Q., McHale, Courtney, Burchfield, Zachary, Ko, Jesse S.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: High rate capability; Lithium-ion battery; Low-temperature operation; Niobium oxide
• ISSN: 2468-6069; 2468-6069
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mtener.2024.101663

Low-temperature operation (−20 °C and below) under high-rate conditions is a critical deficiency for lithium-ion batteries. To achieve size, weight, and power requirements tailored for demanding applications, novel materials are needed to sustain high performance. In the present study, we synthesize a series of niobate anode materials (Nb2O5, Nb2O5–x, and Nb12O29) and tailor their particle size, defect nature, and electrical/ionic conductivity to enable high-performance operation at −20 °C under high-rate conditions (1.2C–2C). When paired with lithium manganese oxide (LMO) in a full-cell configuration, the Nb2O5–x-based full-cells achieve high-rate capability (∼90 mAh/g up to 2C cycling rate at −20 °C) and great long-term stability (>98% retention up to 50 cycles at −20 °C). During a simulated 30 min duty cycling test synthesized from measured data from an actual drone flight (continuous range of 1.2C–2C cycling rates), the Nb2O5–x||LMO cell enables full discharge at −20 °C, with only a 0.3 V voltage drop when compared to duty cycling at room temperature. The work presented herein demonstrates the future possibilities of expanding the operational capabilities of lithium-ion batteries. [Display omitted] •Niobate anodes (Nb2O5, Nb2O5–x, Nb12O29) perform well at −20 °C at 1C and 2C charge/discharge rates.•Following a simulated civil drone duty cycle, defective Nb2O5–x paired with LMO cathodes perform best.•Small particle size is key for low-temperature performance than well-defined crystal structures.•Faster lithium diffusion in niobate anodes dictates low-temperature performance.