Rapid Characterization of Lithium-Ion Battery Electrolytes and Thermal Aging Products by Low-Temperature Plasma Ambient Ionization High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry

Vortmann B, Nowak S, Engelhard C

Forschungsartikel (Zeitschrift) | Peer reviewed

Zusammenfassung

Lithium ion batteries (LIBs) are key components for portable electronic devices that are used around the world. However, thermal decomposition products in the battery reduce its lifetime, and decomposition processes are still not understood. In this study, a rapid method for in situ analysis and reaction monitoring in LIB electrolytes is presented based on high-resolution mass spectrometry (HR-MS) with low-temperature plasma probe (LTP) ambient desorption/ionization for the first time. This proof-of-principle study demonstrates the capabilities of ambient mass spectrometry in battery research. LTP-HR-MS is ideally suited for qualitative analysis in the ambient environment because it allows direct sample analysis independent of the sample size, geometry, and structure. Further, it is environmental friendly because it eliminates the need of organic solvents that are typically used in separation techniques coupled to mass spectrometry. Accurate mass measurements were used to identify the time-/condition-dependent formation of electrolyte decomposition compounds. A LIB model electrolyte containing ethylene carbonate and dimethyl carbonate was analyzed before and after controlled thermal stress and over the course of several weeks. Major decomposition products identified include difluorophosphoric acid, monofluorophosphoric acid methyl ester, monofluorophosphoric acid dimethyl ester, and hexafluorophosphate. Solvents (i.e., dimethyl carbonate) were partly consumed via an esterification pathway. LTP-HR-MS is considered to be an attractive method for fundamental LIB studies.

Details zur Publikation

FachzeitschriftAnalytical Chemistry (Anal Chem)
Jahrgang / Bandnr. / Volume85
Ausgabe / Heftnr. / Issue6
Seitenbereich3433-3438
StatusVeröffentlicht
Veröffentlichungsjahr2013
Sprache, in der die Publikation verfasst istEnglisch
DOI10.1021/ac4001404
Link zum Volltexthttp://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/ac4001404

Autor*innen der Universität Münster

Engelhard, Carsten
Institut für Anorganische und Analytische Chemie
Nowak, Sascha
Münster Electrochemical Energy Technology Battery Research Center (MEET)
Vortmann, Britta
Münster Electrochemical Energy Technology Battery Research Center (MEET)