Impact of Temperature Variations on the Electrochemical Performance of Batteries with Cyrene-Based, Spray-Printed NMC Cathodes

This study examines the effects of temperature influence, ranging from +20°C to −10°C, on the electrochemical performance of lithium-ion batteries with nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) cathodes that have been spray-printed using a sustainable solvent. In the cathode fabrication process, Cyrene-a sustainable, dipolar aprotic solvent-was used as a replacement for N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) to enhance the eco-friendliness and safety of battery manufacturing. Blade-coated Cyrene-based NMC cathodes were used as a reference. The morphological and structural attributes of the spray-printed and blade-coated NMC cathodes were assessed using scanning electron microscopy and optical profilometry. Electrochemical performance was evaluated through cyclic voltammetry, varied C-rate charge-discharge cycling, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy under different temperature conditions. Our results demonstrate that the Cyrene-based, spray-printed NMC cathodes exhibit electrochemical performance comparable to their blade-coated counterparts. Although performance degradation was observed at sub-zero temperatures-attributed to increased electrolyte viscosity and reduced lithium-ion mobility-the spray-printed cathodes maintained performance parity with those fabricated by blade-coating. This study offers significant insights into how temperature affects the operational efficiency of lithium-ion batteries with NMC cathodes fabricated via different methods, indicating that spray printing is a viable and sustainable alternative for producing NMC cathodes.