Abuse Response of 18650 Li-Ion Cells with Different Cathodes Using EC:EMC/LiPF6 and EC:PC:DMC/LiPF6 Electrolytes

The thermal abuse tolerance of Li-ion cells is a complex function of the interactions of the cell components that result in gas and heat generation leading to uncontrolled thermal runaway of the cells. Anode, cathode, and electrolyte interactions have been measured for chemistries chosen to meet the high-power requirements of the DOE Advanced Technology Development (ATD) Program. The role of electrolyte solvent composition on thermal abuse response was investigated for EC:EMC (3:7)\1.2M LiPF6 and EC:PC:DMC (1:1:3)\1.2M LiPF6. Cathode materials were used that are representative of current and future Li-ion cells including LiMn2O4, LiNi0.80Co0.15Al0.05O2 and Li1.1(Ni1/3Co1/3Mn1/3)0.9O2.