• Energy Research

The purpose of this study was to investigate the calendar aging of lithium-ion batteries by using both open circuit and floating current measurements. Existing degradation studies usually focus on commercial cells. The initial electrolyte composition and formation protocol for these cells is often unknown. This study investigates the role of electrolyte additives, specifically, vinylene carbonate (VC) and fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC), in the aging process of lithium-ion batteries. The results showed that self-discharge plays a significant role in determining the severity of aging for cells without additives. Interestingly, the aging was less severe for the cells without additives as they deviated more from their original storage state of charge. It was also observed that the addition of VC and FEC had an effect on the formation and stability of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer on the surface of the carbonaceous anode. By gaining a better understanding of the aging processes and the effects of different electrolyte additives, we can improve the safety and durability of lithium-ion batteries, which is critical for their widespread adoption in various applications.