Studies of the Capacity Fade Mechanisms of LiCoO2/Si-Alloy: Graphite Cells

The capacity fade mechanisms of LiCoO2/Si-alloy:graphite pouch cells filled with a 1M LiPF6 EC:EMC:FEC (27:63:10) electrolyte were studied using galvanostatic cycling, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy on symmetric cells, gas-chromatography and differential voltage analysis. Analysis of the gas generated during the first cycle indicated that FEC reacts at the negative electrode following a 1-electron reduction pathway and other pathways that do not lead to the formation of gaseous products. An analysis of the electrolyte showed that FEC is continuously consumed during the first 80% of the first charge (formation cycle). Typical cells charged and discharged at 40°C showed a gradual capacity loss for the first 250 cycles followed by a sudden capacity drop associated with a large polarization growth. Analysis of the electrolyte showed that this sudden failure is associated with the depletion of FEC. The capacity loss as well as the consumption of FEC prior to the sudden failure was fitted using a model that includes a time dependence and a cycle number dependence. The time dependence was associated with the thickening solid electrolyte interface at the surface of the negative electrode particles (Si-alloy and graphite) and the cycle number dependence was associated with the solid electrolyte interface repair at the surface of Si-alloy particles during repeated expansion and contraction.