Photothermal-Conversion-Enhanced LiMn<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4</sub> Pouch Cell Performance for Low-Temperature Resistance: A Theoretical Study
Shuo Tian,
Zhifeng Liu,
Qiang Yang,
Na Xu,
Xiang Li,
Dejun Wang,
Runru Liu,
Wei Lü
Affiliations
Shuo Tian
Key Laboratory of Materials Design and Quantum Simulation, College of Science, Changchun University, Changchun 130022, China
Zhifeng Liu
Key Laboratory of Materials Design and Quantum Simulation, College of Science, Changchun University, Changchun 130022, China
Qiang Yang
Key Laboratory of Materials Design and Quantum Simulation, College of Science, Changchun University, Changchun 130022, China
Na Xu
Key Laboratory of Materials Design and Quantum Simulation, College of Science, Changchun University, Changchun 130022, China
Xiang Li
Key Laboratory of Materials Design and Quantum Simulation, College of Science, Changchun University, Changchun 130022, China
Dejun Wang
Key Laboratory of Materials Design and Quantum Simulation, College of Science, Changchun University, Changchun 130022, China
Runru Liu
Key Laboratory of Materials Design and Quantum Simulation, College of Science, Changchun University, Changchun 130022, China
Wei Lü
Key Laboratory of Advanced Structural Materials, Ministry of Education & Advanced Institute of Materials Science, Changchun University of Technology, Changchun 130012, China
Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) suffer from charging difficulties, capacity decay, and severe ageing in a low-temperature environment. In this work, we suggest a theoretical study and strategy for improving the low-temperature resistance of LiMn2O4(LMO) pouch cells, by introducing a photothermal conversion layer composed of copper and single-walled carbon nanotubes. A three-dimensional electrochemical–thermal coupling model for a lithium manganate battery is established, in which the photothermal conversion layer is attached on the surface of the cathode collector, and the effect of lug design is also discussed. The changes in the battery temperature field, and improvements in electrochemical performance before and after light preheating, are analyzed. The results show that, when the photothermal conversion film is applied, the LMO pouch cell’s temperature rises 2.7 °C/min in a −5 °C environment, and the surface-temperature averaging is improved. The concentration of lithium embedded in the anode is significantly increased, and the charging speed is enhanced by 20%. The batteries with a single-sided lug design exhibit better performance compared with those with a two-sided lug design. Validation of the presented model is performed, by comparing it with the experimental Panasonic UF653445ST commercial battery datasheet. This work provides theoretical guidance on improving the low-temperature performance of pouch cells, based on the photothermal conversion method.
