Pressure characteristics and chemical potentials of constrained LiFePO4/C6 cells

Abstract

Constraining lithium-ion cells increases the cyclic lifetime. However, depending on an expected volume expansion during charge and discharge cycling, defining the optimal constraining pressure range is not straightforward. In this study, we investigate a lithium iron phosphate/graphite pouch cell at four initial constraining pressure levels. As a function of C-Rate, the thermodynamic principle of the non-monotonic pressure curve during full charge and discharge cycles is evaluated. Using the rubber balloon model to calculate the chemical potential of lithium iron phosphate and discussing the relationship between the chemical potential and pressure, we illustrate the pressure curve qualitatively. By applying differential pressure analysis, we evaluate the resulting pressure curves of a single graphite stage. Approaching a fundamental understanding of reduced cycling lifetime of full cells with unknown material composition, we allocate the stages and stage transitions of graphite as well as the phase transition of lithium iron phosphate. Local extreme values in the differential pressure analysis indicate phase and stage transitions. These values can identify critical operating conditions that should be considered for defining the optimum initial constraining pressure range.