Characterization methods for lithium-ion batteries

Abstract

Technological advances allow an increasing electrification of the economy and society, based on a larger number of electronic devices and a transition to electrical mobility. Energy must therefore be stored using methods that ensure a balance between environmental sustainability and efficiency. Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are a dependable energy storage technology that can be incorporated into actuators, sensors, and electronic devices. LIBs are portable and versatile, which makes them essential in supporting the implementation of the Internet of Things paradigm. Moreover, they can be combined with renewable energy generation and management systems, electric and hybrid vehicle designs, as well as support the implementation of smart grids, smart houses, and smart cities. The battery performance depends on the materials that make them up, and it is essential to use different characterization techniques to properly evaluate the main characteristics of these materials and the interconnection between them. The structure, microstructure, physical-chemical, and functional properties of the different battery materials are addressed through the use of several experimental techniques sensitive to different structural levels, including scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy in attenuated total reflectance mode, electrolyte uptake, contact angle, differential scanning calorimetry, stress-strain curves, electrical conductivity, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, cycle voltammetry, and galvanostatic charge-discharge. Overall, this chapter presents some of the most relevant characterization techniques used in the field of LIBs.