Electrochemistry Visualization Tool to Support the Electrochemical Analysis of Batteries

Graphical Abstract

A software for electrochemical analysis of batteries: EVA allows further comprehension of the degradation mechanisms through a deeper view of the potential vs. capacity curves. The EVA functions, illustrated in its own simple interface, together with the guidelines presented in this concept paper turn the underexploited dQ/dV and dV/dQ curves study more intuitive and practical for researchers.

Abstract

To meet the expected performance requirements of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), novel electrode materials, coatings and electrolytes have been studied in terms of their degradation mechanisms. Nevertheless, most of the methods used to track these mechanisms are not in operando, i. e., they do not follow them upon the practical LIB cell operation. The differential voltage analysis (DVA) and the incremental capacity analysis (ICA) constitute in operando techniques that can greatly help in monitoring batteries degradation mechanisms. We report here an in house developed software that allows the visualization of the DVA and the ICA curves of tested cells, with the possibility of rebuilding an experimental full-cell capacity vs. potential curve through fitting of its electrodes’ half-cell capacity vs. potential curves. Those features can be applied to multiple charge-discharge cycles without data pretreatment, offering data exportation. We illustrate the functionalities of our software and indicate perspectives for its further development.