XNRGI Inc fka NPWZ

[ShortonCash]

https://energy.gov/sites/prod/files/2017/11/f39/03%20-%20Electrochemical%20Energy%20Storage.pdf

Presentation Number: es166
Presentation Title: Post-Test Analysis
of Lithium-Ion Battery Materials
Principal Investigator: Ira Bloom
(Argonne National Laboratory)
Presenter
Ira Bloom, Argonne National
Laboratory
Reviewer Sample Size
A total of six reviewers evaluated this
project.
Approach to performing
the work—the degree to which
technical barriers are addressed, the
project is well-designed, feasible, and
integrated with other efforts.
The reviewer stated that the concerns,
issues, and the goals were clearly
defined. The method to evaluate the
final product was also clearly identified.
The reviewer said that the approach is
good and is following standard
methodology (test, dismantle, observe,
and perform diagnostics).
The reviewer noted that the
investigative approach was determined
during development of the project.
Overall, experimental means used appear logical and have yielded the ability to conclude the behavior of a LIB
package as it is subjected to intentional abuse.
The reviewer commented that this is an effort to develop an understanding of how cells react to abuse using
two different cathodes and two different binders. Another question was how processing affects abuse
tolerance. The approach has been carefully laid out.
The reviewer pronounced the approach of the post-test analysis to be good, and it addresses important issues
related to abuse events. However, the reviewer believed the materials used should be more aggressive,
especially the selection of a carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)-graphite anode. This material is not advanced,
and the approach is most likely repeating substantial work that has been covered by various other
organizations. Emphasis on higher energy anodes and cathode pairs is advisable as well as alignment with new
materials from CAMP or the Advanced Manufacturing Facility.

Figure 3-12 - Presentation Number: es166 Presentation Title: Post-Test
Analysis of Lithium-Ion Battery Materials Principal Investigator: Ira Bloom
(Argonne National Laboratory)

3-68 Electrochemical Energy Storage
The reviewer commented that only one type of abuse tests (i.e., overcharge) was performed. The work can be
improved by leveraging Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) facilities and performing more types of abuse
tests (e.g., thermal and mechanical abuse tests).
Technical accomplishments and progress toward overall project and DOE goals—the degree
to which progress has been made, measured against performance indicators and demonstrated
progress towards DOE goals.
The reviewer said that the PIs made good progress on comparing physical and chemical response of batteries
with different types of binders under battery abuse conditions.
The reviewer stated that good progress had been achieved by the ANL, ORNL, and SNL team this past year.
ORNL made cells using two different binders and processes, SNL performed abuse testing, and ANL
conducted post-mortem analysis.
The reviewer stated that excellent progress was made toward program goals as they were outlined. The cell
manufacturing, testing effort, and analysis work proceeded almost as scheduled.
The team designed work and performed experimental efforts to meet established objectives for the fiscal year.
However, some delays in outcome are reported. It remains for the team to establish a plan to address these
delays.
The reviewer observed that this project is in the very early stages so there are only a modest number of results.
A number of diagnostics has been carried out on the two binders, and differences are observed, but it is too
early to develop insights, in the opinion of the reviewer. A good question has been raised—what causes grain
boundary corrosion—for future analysis. Transition metals were seen at the anode, which can be a useful
diagnostic of abuse along with details of the morphology. Plating can be observed, but quantitative trends are
hard to make out. One interesting result this reviewer noted is that binder failure seems to be important.

[

b]
The reviewer stated that no future research slides were provided although this project continues until
September 30, 2018 (only 50% complete). This appears to be an unfortunate oversight on behalf of the PI.

Additionally, the proposed future work from the 2016 presentation was not addressed in this 2017
presentation.
The plan is to look at Li-iron-phosphate (LFP) composition next year with different combinations of binder. It
was not clear to the reviewer whether the plans will yield new insights, especially at a fundamental level.
Relevance—Does this project support the overall DOE objectives of petroleum
displacement?
The reviewer mentioned that understanding the potential negative response to real world abuse scenarios for
this technology and identifying ways to significantly reduce that response are critical to public acceptance of
this technology. This project fully supports that need.
3-70 Electrochemical Energy Storage
The reviewer asserted that the introduction of LIBs into the transportation sector will result in lightweighting
of designed vehicles, which serves to conserve energy, whether it be petroleum or other energy source.
However,

this project is one that is focused on energy storage, regardless of generating source.
The reviewer viewed battery safety as critical for widespread adoption of EVs and the displacement of
petroleum. Projects such as this serve as a tool to determine overall safety and post-cycling analysis.
The reviewer stated that an effective post-analysis procedure is important for battery development and will
help accelerate the EV adoption.

The reviewer remarked that the project supports DOE objectives. It is important to perform failure analysis on
batteries so that we can move forward in the development of an affordable battery that can meet DOE goals.
It seems useful, but it was unclear to the reviewer how knowing the various responses to abuse will help make
safer batteries. The reviewer further noted that the project team will test different additives, but again, was
unsure how looking at morphology changes will add knowledge.