In Situ Characterization of Interfacial and Bulk Properties of Lithium Polymer Batteries Using 4-Probe DC Techniques

Abstract

AbstractThe use of transient and steady-state 4-probe techniques for the evaluation of the limitations to performance in solid-state electrochemical devices is described. The application of sequential, bipolar square-wave current pulses to a solid polymer cell with two internal reference electrodes allows separation of the polarization behavior of the various components of the cell, and indicates the rate limiting processes in the cell. Careful design of the experimental cell and appropriate selection of current pulse width allows evaluation of fundamental kinetic and transport properties, as well as activation parameters. Steady state constant-current measurements using 4-probe cells allows in situ observation of interface stability and/or polarization as a function of time as the cell is cycling.