Determination of the temperature-dependent conductivity of lithium-ion battery electrolytes by a DC method

One important component of every electrochemical cell is the electrolyte solution. A measure for the ability of an electrolyte solution to conduct ionic current is its conductivity σ_DC. The conductivity can be measured by alternating current (ac) or direct current (dc) techniques. Usually, ac techniques such as electrochemical impedance spectroscopy are applied, because dc techniques often suffer from parasitic polarisation and also decomposition effects. However, ac techniques tend to require relatively costly equipment and trained laboratory personnel. Therefore, the application of dc methods which are often easier to perform and to interpret would be preferable.

In this application note, we demonstrate how to determine the temperature-dependent conductivity of a typical lithium-ion battery electrolyte by means of a simple dc method. We use the test cell TCE Cell One for this purpose.