Non-Destructive Performance Comparison of Li-Ion 2032 Coin Cells for Non-Ambient Temperature Applications

Coin cell batteries have long found diverse applications in small consumer products. Rechargeable lithium-based coin cells are now commercially available offering an eco-friendly alternative, but their use is not as widespread. Performance of these batteries under non-ambient temperature conditions is important for many applications, but note widely investigated. We report on a non-destructive, temperature-dependent performance comparison of three different commercially available, rechargeable 2032 coin cell models. Batteries were cycled galvanostatically over at least 100 cycles at three different temperatures: 60°C, 24°C, and 0°C. In-situ data collection was performed using temperature-controlled test chambers. We observed highest initial capacity in higher temperature cycling, but faster capacity fade. During room temperature cycling we also observe an increase in initial capacity over the first ~40 cycles that may be consistent with a similar phenomenon observed in Li-ion pouch cells with graphite anodes. Differential capacity analysis was performed to determine the mechanism of cell deterioration and investigate the rise in capacity. Detailed results from temperature-dependent electrochemical cycling, along with X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy analysis, will be presented to explain differences in cell performance across battery models and temperatures.