Inhomogeneities and Cell-to-Cell Variations in Lithium-Ion Batteries, a Review

Battery degradation is a fundamental concern in battery research, with the biggest challenge being to maintain performance and safety upon usage. From the microstructure of the materials to the design of the cell connectors in modules and their assembly in packs, it is impossible to achieve perfect reproducibility. Small manufacturing or environmental variations will compound big repercussions on pack performance and reliability. This review covers the origins of cell-to-cell variations and inhomogeneities on a multiscale level, their impact on electrochemical performance, as well as their characterization and tracking methods, ranging from the use of large-scale equipment to in operando studies.

Automated summary

Battery degradation is a major concern in battery research, with challenges in maintaining performance and safety during usage. Variations and inhomogeneities between cells can have significant impacts on electrochemical performance, and various methods are used to characterize and track these effects.