Can lithium battery station cabinets be irradiated

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The gamma radiation-induced failure mechanism of Li metal batteries is revealed. The irradiation tolerance of key battery materials is identified. The radiation tolerance of energy storage batteries is a crucial index for universe exploration or nuclear rescue work, but there is no thorough investigation of Li metal batteries.

Here, we systematically explore the energy storage behavior of Li metal batteries under gamma rays. Degradation of the performance of Li metal batteries under gamma radiation is linked to the active materials of the cathode, electrolyte, binder, and electrode interface.

Gamma radiation effects on cathode or electrolyte of Li-ion batteries were studied. Radiation leads to capacity fade, impedance growth, and premature battery failure. Electrolyte color changes gradually after initially receiving radiation dose. Polymerization and HF formation could be the cause of the latent effects.

A lingering concern when using lithium ion cells in such radioactive extreme conditions lies in the ability to retain acceptable performance after radiation exposure. The intense radiation environment may degrade the properties of the electrode and electrolyte materials quickly, significantly reducing the battery performance.

This analysis shows that choosing materials (cathode active material, binder, and electrolyte) with better radiation tolerance as battery materials can greatly mitigate deterioration of performance in a radiation environment.