Effects of High-Temperature Preconditioning on Li Plating During Low-Temperature Cycling of the COTS LG Chem HG2 Cell

Physics > Chemical Physics
[Submitted on 10 Jun 2026]
Title:Effects of High-Temperature Preconditioning on Li Plating During Low-Temperature Cycling of the COTS LG Chem HG2 Cell
View PDF HTML (experimental)Abstract:Commercial off-the-shelf~(COTS) Li ion cells offer an attractive and rechargeable power source for spacecraft applications. However, since these cells are typically designed for charging above 0\,\textdegree C, challenging sub-zero temperatures could inflict irreversible degradation and safety hazards during in-flight operation. To address these challenges, this work explores strategies affecting their low-temperature performance. Specifically, we investigate the Li plating behavior of the COTS~LG~Chem~18650~HG2 cell during galvanostatic cycling at $-20\,$\textdegree C and its dependence on prior high-temperature preconditioning protocols, involving either two-week galvanostatic cycling or storage at 30\,\textdegree C, as well as a reference case without preconditioning, i.e., direct cycling at $-20\,$\textdegree C. Experimental cycling tests reveal distinct differences in Li metal deposition between cells subjected to these conditions. To identify the origin of these discrepancies, we combine computed tomography of the electrode microstructure with three-dimensional, spatially resolved cell modeling and analyze the simulation results.
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Facts Only

* The study investigates Li plating behavior in a COTS LG Chem 18650 HG2 cell.
* Cycling was performed at $-20\,^\circ\text{C}$.
* Preconditioning protocols included two-week galvanostatic cycling or storage at $30\,^\circ\text{C}$, or direct cycling at $-20\,^\circ\text{C}$ without preconditioning.
* The study involved experimental cycling tests comparing these conditions.
* Computed tomography of the electrode microstructure was combined with three-dimensional, spatially resolved cell modeling to analyze simulation results.

Executive Summary

Commercial off-the-shelf lithium-ion cells face degradation risks when subjected to low-temperature cycling, which can cause irreversible damage and safety issues during operation in sub-zero environments. This research investigates the behavior of a COTS LG Chem 18650 HG2 cell during galvanostatic cycling at $-20\,^\circ\text{C}$. The study compares the lithium plating observed under these conditions with outcomes from prior high-temperature preconditioning protocols, specifically two weeks of galvanostatic cycling or storage at $30\,^\circ\text{C}$, and direct cycling at $-20\,^\circ\text{C}$ without any preconditioning. Experimental tests reveal differences in lithium metal deposition between these conditioned groups. To determine the cause of these discrepancies, the research combined computed tomography of electrode microstructure with three-dimensional, spatially resolved cell modeling to analyze simulation results.

Full Take

The investigation moves beyond simply observing a physical effect (Li plating) to dissecting the underlying material science by linking macroscopic cell behavior to microscopic structural changes via computational modeling. The core implication lies in managing cell longevity and safety in extreme environments, suggesting that prior thermal history significantly dictates post-cycling degradation, especially concerning lithium deposition kinetics. The pattern detected is one of Systemic knowledge generation: a tangible physical outcome (plating differences) is resolved through multi-scale simulation, which reinforces the necessity of coupling experimental observation with predictive modeling for materials management. The unstated assumption is that current operational guidelines do not adequately account for the history dependency of cathode material stability. This opens up questions regarding how thermal energy is stored and dissipated within the cell during charging/discharging cycles at cryogenic temperatures, which may be missed by standard thermal models alone. What thermodynamic principles govern the rate-limiting steps for Li plating at these low temperatures, and how can we design preconditioning protocols based on these simulated kinetic barriers rather than empirical cycling times?

Sentinel — Human

Confidence

The text exhibits the dense, formal structure characteristic of scientific literature, suggesting it originates from a technical report or research summary rather than general news reporting.

Signals Detected

Moderate sentence length variance; technical, dense prose structure.

High internal coherence typical of peer-reviewed technical abstracts.

Structure follows a standard, method-focused academic progression (Problem -> Method -> Finding).

Claims are specific to experimental findings; context suggests real scientific reporting.

Human Indicators

Use of specific technical terminology and referencing established physical/chemical concepts.

The framing is explicitly an abstract from a peer-reviewed type of publication, suggesting reliance on established research structures.