Non-destructive Performance Comparison of Li-Ion 2032 Coin Cells for Extreme Temperature Applications

Rechargeable lithium-based coin cells are now commercially available offering an eco-friendly alternative, but their use is not as widespread. Its major concern is safety: batteries of small size are more susceptible to rapid heat conduction, and physical impacts are more likely to be caused by falling and puncturing. Detailed performance tests for the coin cells are an urgent matter. We report on a non-destructive, temperature-dependent performance comparison of six different commercially available, rechargeable 2032 coin cell models through galvanostatic cycling. The batteries were cycled over 100 cycles at three different temperatures: 60°C, 24°C, and 0°C. In situ data collection was performed using temperature-controlled test chambers. Performances at room temperature were consistent with the manufacturer's datasheet. At hot temperature, all cells performed in a stable manner but experienced faster degradation, mainly because of their electrolyte decomposition or the formation of SEI. At cold temperature, all LIR2032 showed stable performance, yet LIR2032H cells performed poorly. At initial hot- and room-temperature cycling, we also observed an increase in initial capacity, which may be due to an increase in lithium inventory from electrolyte salt dissolution, as identified from dQ/dV analysis and EIS. Both XRD results and dQ/dV analysis allowed prediction of electrode composition, where LIR cells were identified as LCO/GIC, and ML2032 (Maxell) being LMO/Mg2Si.