Mathematical Modeling of the Lithium Deposition Overcharge Reaction in Lithium‐Ion Batteries Using Carbon‐Based Negative Electrodes

The processes that lead to capacity fading affect severely the cycle life and rate behavior of lithium‐ion cells. One such process is the overcharge of the negative electrode causing lithium deposition, which can lead to capacity losses including a loss of active lithium and electrolyte and represents a potential safety hazard. A mathematical model is presented to predict lithium deposition on the negative electrode under a variety of operating conditions. The , 2:1 ethylene carbonate/dimethyl carbonate, poly(vinylidene fluoride‐hexalfuoropropylene)| cell is simulated to investigate the influence of lithium deposition on the charging behavior of intercalation electrodes. The model is used to study the effect of key design parameters (particle size, electrode thickness, and mass ratio) on the lithium deposition overcharge reaction. The model predictions are compared for coke and graphite‐based negative electrodes. The cycling behavior of these cells is simulated before and after overcharge to understand the effect of overcharge on extended cycling. These results can be used to establish operational and design limits within which safety hazards and capacity fade problems, inherent in these cells, can be minimized. © 1999 The Electrochemical Society. All rights reserved.