Visualizing ageing-induced heterogeneity within large prismatic lithium-ion batteries for electric cars using diffraction radiography

• Published in: Journal of power sources 2024-04, Vol.599, p.234190, Article 234190
• Main Authors: Mikheenkova, Anastasiia, Schökel, Alexander, Smith, Alexander J., Ahmed, Istaq, Brant, William R., Lacey, Matthew J., Hahlin, Maria
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Heterogeneous degradation; Li-ion battery ageing; NMC811; X-ray diffraction radiography
• ISSN: 0378-7753; 1873-2755
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2024.234190

In this study, Synchrotron X-ray diffraction (XRD) radiography was utilized to investigate the ageing heterogeneity in 48 Ah prismatic lithium-ion cells with Ni-rich LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 (NMC811) as the positive electrode active material and graphite as the negative electrode active material after ∼2800 cycles. The study revealed that the area closest to the positive electrode tab is most vulnerable to degradation, particularly impacting the NMC material. Application of principal component analysis allowed to differentiate and visualize part of positive electrode material that has a different degradation due to the lithium plating. A comparison of non-destructive X-ray diffraction-based methods and electrochemical characterization method which was performed on the opened cell has shown an importance of a complementary approach. Our results highlight the feasibility of employing non-destructive techniques to study large prismatic cells, thereby presenting extensive opportunities for advancements in battery research and industry. [Display omitted] •Use of X-Ray diffraction radiography to study an automotive grade prismatic cell.•Non-destructive resolution of heterogeneous ageing inside a prismatic cell.•Application of Principal Component Analysis to X-Ray diffraction radiography data.•Demonstration of different degradation pathway for lithium plated regions.