Comparative Analysis of Li-Ion Batteries with Carbonate-Based Liquid and PVdF-Based Gel Polymer Electrolytes: Performance, Temperature Sensitivity, Aging Rate, and Life Cycle Assessment

This study compares lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries utilizing carbonate-based liquid electrolytes versus those with poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVdF)-based gel polymer electrolytes. The experimental results indicate that under 1/2.5/5 C-rate current conditions, the maximum operating temperatures for carbonate-based liquid and PVdF-based gel batteries are 20.44/22.16/27.84 and 20.6/23.18/34.63 degrees C, respectively. The numerical analysis indicates that PVdF-based gel polymer batteries' internal temperature gradient is better than that of carbonate-based liquid batteries, which can reduce the nonuniform aging rate by 0.0065%. However, the mean temperature of the gel polymer batteries is higher than that of carbonate-based liquid batteries due to the lower ion conductivity of the PVdF-based gel polymer electrolyte, which results in the overall aging rate of PVdF-based gel polymer batteries being 0.2% higher than that of carbonate-based liquid batteries. Furthermore, the life cycle assessment calculations reveal that the carbon footprints for PP/PE/PP multilayer and PVdF-based gel polymer separators are 0.035 and 1.347 kg CO2-eq per m(2), respectively. Additionally, a life cycle assessment evaluates the environmental impact of each electrolyte type, considering factors such as material use, manufacturing processes, and end-of-life disposal. This analysis aims to guide the selection of battery technologies based on specific application needs and environmental considerations.