Influences of Compression on the Mechanical Behavior and Electrochemical Performances of Separators for Lithium Ion Batteries

Abstract

Compression stress on thickness direction of separators exists in assembling and operation of all lithium ion batteries (LIBs). In this study, influences of compression on microporous morphologies, electrolyte uptake behavior, and electrochemical properties of three types of commercial separators (PP-U, PP-B, and PE-B) for LIBs manufactured via different processes, were investigated. Results of scanning electronic microscope (SEM) and X-ray measurements revealed special stacked-multilayer structures of PP-B and PE-B, while PP-U was featured of micropores arranged in lines separated by lamellae in both surface view and section view. Compression was found to be key factor influencing the microporous structures, electrolyte uptake, and electrochemical properties of separators. Different microporous structures of separators were important factors determining the structural stability (tolerance to compression) of the separator and therefore influencing their performances before and after compression. A novel delamination experiment was designed to explain different structural stabilities of separators under compression. A related mechanism was proposed.