Modeling Side Reactions in Composite Li y Mn2 O 4 Electrodes

A Li/1 M in propylene carbonate (PC)/ cell is used to investigate the influence of side reactions on the current‐potential behavior of intercalation electrodes. Slow cyclic voltammograms and self‐discharge data are combined to estimate, simultaneously, the reversible potential vs state‐of‐charge curve for the host material and the kinetic parameters for the side reaction. This information is then used, together with estimates of the solid‐state diffusion coefficient and main reaction exchange current density, in a mathematical model of the system. Predictions from the model compare favorably with continuous cycling results and galvanostatic experiments with periodic current interruptions.