Failure Mechanisms in Lithium Ion Batteries: Opportunities for Materials Development

Global demand for a diminishing supply of oil reserves, coupled with increasing regulations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, is driving the transition to vehicle electrification in the transportation sector. In order to make this technology more affordable and efficient, while maintaining safety standards, innovations are required across the entire value chain. In particular, a step change is needed in practical energy storage for automotive applications. Battery lifetime is a particular challenge for these vehicle applications.

This presentation focuses on the primary failure mechanisms for lithium ion batteries, as well as how those mechanisms are affected by the selection of materials within the battery. Viewers will gain an understanding of the baseline performance of today’s materials, as well as the challenges introduced by new higher energy density materials. In addition, the demands on the battery system for various vehicle types – battery electric vehicles, plug in electric vehicles, and hybrid electric vehicles are reviewed, as these demands will affect the battery lifetime.

Those who would benefit from this presentation include technical persons who are working on the development of advanced lithium ion materials and batteries, as well as research managers responsible for developing and implementing lithium ion battery projects.