Optimization of electrode loading amount in lithium ion battery by theoretical prediction and experimental verification

Lithium ion battery is a complex system, and any change in device parameters may significantly affect the overall performance. The prediction of battery behavior based on theoretical simulation is of great significance. In this work, the battery performance with LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 electrodes of different active material loading amounts was theoretically investigated, such as battery rate performance, capacity decay rate, energy and power density, SOC (State of Charge) change, temperature response, and heat source distribution. A 1D electrochemical–3D thermal coupling model was established, and the accuracy and predictability of the model were verified by experiments. An in-depth analysis of batteries under different discharge rates and batteries with different electrode loading amounts is carried out. The results show that the rate performance and capacity change with different electrode loading amounts, which is attributed to the variation in lithium ion diffusion. At the same time, the change in load affects the growth of lithium dendrites and the distribution of SOC, resulting in the thermal runaway of the battery and shortening the battery life.