Kems4Bats, a research group funded by the BMBF’s NanoMatFutur program at Hochschule Mannheim, applies well-established experimental techniques to analyze thermal and gas emissions in lithium-ion batteries. Working in a state-of-the-art laboratory outfitted with high-precision equipment, the team investigates how electrode composition and particle size variations affect diffusion processes and gas production. Core research areas include studying diffusion mechanisms, solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) formation, and the effects of fast charging on battery degradation.
A significant accomplishment of Kems4Bats is the development of a specialized instrument based on Knudsen Effusion Mass Spectrometry (KEMS), which enables precise, real-time, in-situ gas evolution measurements in lithium-ion batteries. This device is uniquely suited for accurately measuring vapor pressures, especially for organic compounds with high vapor pressures, such as electrolyte solvents. Additionally, the group has established an in-house battery production line to enhance both the safety and performance of energy storage systems.
Advancing lithium-ion battery technology is essential for future energy storage solutions, and understanding gas evolution during battery formation, cycling, and aging is crucial to improving both performance and safety. Traditionally, KEMS has proven valuable for measuring temperature-dependent vapor pressures and deriving thermodynamic properties of diverse organic and inorganic materials. In this work, we extend the capabilities of KEMS to examine gas evolution within lithium-ion batteries, marking a notable advancement in battery diagnostics.
Our custom-built prototype adapts the KEMS approach, allowing for precise tracking of gas species evolving during different phases of the battery lifecycle. This advancement not only delivers detailed insights into the types and amounts of gases generated but also expands the conventional scope of KEMS, enabling the study of high vapor pressure substances like electrolyte components, which were previously challenging to analyze.
Findings from this study reveal complex gas formation patterns within lithium-ion batteries, offering valuable insights to guide battery design improvements and establish higher safety standards. This work not only pushes forward the field of battery research but also showcases the versatility of KEMS as a robust tool in materials science.