In-depth analysis of the growth of the solid-electrolyte interphase in lithium-ion batteries to identify the relevant transport mechanisms for various cell chemistries and cycling conditions

• Applicant: Lukas Köbbing
• Subject Area: Physical Chemistry of Molecules, Liquids and Interfaces, Biophysical Chemistry ; Electrical Energy Systems, Power Management, Power Electronics, Electrical Machines and Drives ; Technical Thermodynamics
• Term: since 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 569764275

Lithium-ion batteries play a crucial role in modern technology. However, their capacity fades over time due to the growth of the solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI). Recent experimental data from Prof. Dahn’s group suggest that electron tunneling can drive the long-term SEI growth. These findings contradict the typical notion that tunneling explains only the initial capacity fade, while electron diffusion explains the long-term SEI growth. Thus, the research plan is to investigate the SEI growth for various cell chemistries to identify the prevalent growth mechanism – electron tunneling or diffusion – depending on the cell and cycling conditions. We will analyze the capacity fade experiments using physics-based continuum models of SEI growth. Moreover, with additional experiments, we aim to disclose the SEI composition depending on the cell chemistry, which allows us to disclose correlations between electron transport and cell properties. Identifying and understanding how to suppress the detrimental electron transport mechanisms will help prolong the battery lifetime, improving reliability, costs, and environmental impact.

• DFG Programme: WBP Fellowship
• International Connection: Canada
• Host: Professor Jeff Dahn, Ph.D.