Perspective of material evolution Induced by sinusoidal reflex charging in lithium-ion batteries

Lithium-ion batteries are globally prominent and extensively employed alternative energy sources with decisive applications. In depth understanding of influences of various charging and discharging cycles on electrode materials and life span of these batteries is critical as cycle-life and safety of lithium-ion batteries are closely related crystallinity of electrode materials. This study is a detailed investigation endeavor in observing the degree of damage to electrode materials under multiple charging and discharging cycles.

ology: A constant current-sinusoidal reflex charging method (CC-Sinusoidal) was implemented to charge commercial cathode Lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO₂) electrodes and anode graphite electrodes in comparison to the conventional charging method of constant current-constant voltage (CC-CV). After 100, 300, and 500 cycles of charging and discharging, EIS, SEM, XRD, and Raman spectroscopies were used to compare the degree of electrode damage caused by different charging methods.

The structure of positive LiCoO₂ electrode of the battery was observed to be stable, with no significant change in both the charging methods after 500 cycles. The use of CC-CV charging method had caused severe damages to graphite electrode with generation of solid electrolyte interface (SEI) films. The CC-Sinusoidal charging method had maintained the electrode material in a relatively ideal state.