Heat generation power of graphite anode during electrochemical lithiation

• Published in: Journal of power sources Vol. 639; p. 236702
• Main Authors: Shen, Wenzhuo, He, Wenli, Zhong, Min, Zhang, Jiali, Guo, Shouwu
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 30.05.2025
• Subjects: Electrochemical lithiation; Graphite anode; Heat generation; Lithium-ion battery; Heat generation; Lithium-ion battery; Graphite anode; Electrochemical lithiation
• ISSN: 0378-7753
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2025.236702

To understand the mechanism of heat generation in electrode materials during electrochemical processes is essential for managing thermal runaway and ensuring the safety of lithium-ion batteries. Additionally, the correlation between the heat generation and the microstructure evolution of the electrode materials during lithiation/delithiation remains a subject of debate. In the work, we investigate the heat generation of graphite anode at various lithiation stages by in situ measurements using an eight-channel micro-calorimeter coupled with an electrochemical work station and theoretical analysis. We find that the heat output of the graphite anode during the lithiation is primarily attributed to phase transformation, entropy change, polarization, and ohmic heats. Among these, the phase transformation heat is the primary contributor to overall heat production at the low current density, and the heat generation predominantly occurs during the first and fourth stages. Additionally, we illustrate that the graphene coated to the graphite anode can enhance the Li+ (lithium ion) diffusion kinetics. Remarkably, the heat generation of graphite/rGO (reduced graphene oxide) anodes is reduced to 65.65 % of that of bare graphite, highlighting significant thermal management potential. [Display omitted] •Microstructure evolution and heat generation during graphite lithiation are linked.•In situ micro-calorimeter and electrochemical analysis reveal four heat components.•Phase transformation heat dominates at low current density during lithiation stages.•The graphene coating can be tuned the kinetic parameters of graphite.•Compared to graphite, the heat generation of graphite/rGO is reduced by 34.35 %.