Development of Li-Ion cells/batteries for low temperature applications

Increases in gasoline price and greenhouse gas emissions have spurred the growth of hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) and pure electric vehicles (EVs). Rechargeable Li-ion batteries are the leading candidate for powering these vehicles due to their high energy and power density properties relative to other batteries. However, their energy and power capabilities are substantially reduced at low temperatures, posing a technical barrier for market penetration of HEVs and EVs. Low temperature performance is caused by low conductivity of the electrolyte and solid electrolyte interface (SEI) film, continuous growth of SEI resistance during cycling, and low Li-ion diffusivity. The choice of solvent(s) for the electrolyte solution also impacts the battery’s performance. Commercial Li-ion batteries use mixture of solvents comprising a highly viscous ethylene carbonate and a low viscosity solvent like dimethyl carbonate. TO BE CONT’D

Faculty Supervisor:

Alexander McLean

Student:

Jeremy Dang

Partner:

Electrovaya Corp

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Alternative energy

University:

University of Toronto