Effect of overcharge on Li(Ni0.5Mn0.3Co0.2)O2 cathodes: NMP-soluble binder. II — Chemical changes in the anode

Cells based on nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC)/graphite electrodes, which contained polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) binders in the electrodes, were systematically charged to 100, 120, 140, 160, 180, and 250% state of charge (SOC). Characterization of the anodes by inductively-coupled-plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS) showed several extent-of-overcharge-dependent trends. The concentrations (by wt) of nickel, manganese, and cobalt in the negative electrode increased with SOC, but the metals remained in the same ratio as that of the positive. Electrolyte reaction products, such as LiF:LiPO3, increased with overcharge, as expected. Three organic products were found by HPLC-ESI-MS. From an analysis of the mass spectra, two of these compounds seem to be organophosphates, which were formed by the reaction of polymerized electrolyte decomposition products and PF3 or O=PF3. Their concentration tended to reach a constant ratio. The third was seen at 250% SOC only. •Cells were systematically overcharged and the resulting components, characterized.•Cathode metals were found in anode; their concentrations increased with state-of-charge.•Anode surface chemistry indicates a mixture of LiF:LiPO3 and organophosphates.•The area ratio of the two of the organophosphates tended to a steady state with SOC.