Leveraging Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy for Lithium-Ion Battery Temperature Prediction

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are an integral part of many modern technologies, including cell phones and electric vehicles. However, LIBs still have lower energy density and storage capacity than their counterparts, lithium metal batteries (1). This is especially true where temperature is concerned, which influences a battery’s storage capacity. The colder the temperature gets, the smaller the storage capacity is because of the chemical reactions inside the battery slowing down (2). A recent study published in the International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer explored this topic by investigating how electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) can help improve temperature monitoring of lithium-ion batteries (3).

Digital lithium-ion rechargeable battery symbol, high voltage charging energy storage with glowing blue neon lightning particle icon, 3d rendering futuristic alternative energy technology concept | Image Credit: © ZETHA_WORK - stock.adobe.com

Maintaining the thermal stability of LIBs is critical for ensuring safety, enhancing performance, and extending lifespan. Traditionally, temperature monitoring relies on embedded sensors or complex thermal models, which can be invasive, expensive, and inaccurate due to thermal gradients (3). The novel method proposed by Leng and Ko’s team in this study, eliminates these limitations by leveraging electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS).

EIS uses an alternating current signal to analyze an electrochemical system's response across a frequency range, offering insights into key electrical properties such as charge transfer, diffusion, and resistance (4,5). It measures a battery’s impedance, providing valuable insights into its electrochemical properties (4). The research team focused on the imaginary part of the impedance spectrum, which remained stable across a frequency range of 0.1 to 5 × 10⁴ Hz, irrespective of the battery’s state of charge (SOC) or state of health (SOH) (3). In contrast, other components of impedance, such as the real part, amplitude, and phase shift, were found to fluctuate with SOC and SOH (3).

A benefit to this method is that it only relies on existing EIS measurements, eliminating the need for physical modifications to the battery (3). The second benefit is that because the method focuses on a single frequency rate, it makes it ideal for real-time applications in battery management systems (BMS) (3). The method also helped improve accuracy of internal temperature monitoring of lithium-ion batteries (3). This is essential for several reasons. Apart from optimizing battery performance and increasing its longevity, the method helps prevent overheating and mitigating risks such as thermal runaway, which can lead to catastrophic failures (3).

With the drive toward more sustainable forms of energy, lithium-ion battery performance is going to be an indication of whether this type of technology continues to advance. Electric vehicles are becoming more popular among consumers. Renewable energy storage systems are also growing in demand, and that will require more efficient battery management (4).

The researchers highlighted an ongoing challenge in the energy industry. Current thermal management systems often struggle to adapt to the rapid charge and discharge cycles typical in these applications (3). The proposed EIS-based method offers a robust solution, maintaining performance under varying operational conditions and over extended use (3).

Using lithium-ion batteries with LiCoO₂ cathodes, the researchers demonstrated consistent temperature predictions across a range of conditions (3). By addressing a longstanding challenge in battery research—accurately estimating internal temperature independent of SOC and SOH—this approach opens new avenues for innovation (3).

The researchers hope that future studies integrate their model into next-generation BMS software. The simplicity and scalability of the method make it suitable for a wide range of battery chemistries and configurations (3).

References

1. Wetzel, W. Lithium Metal Batteries and the Critical Function of Solid Electrolyte Interphases: An Interview with Lauren Marbella of Columbia University. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/lithium-metal-batteries-and-the-critical-function-of-solid-electrolyte-interphases-an-interview-with-lauren-marbella-of-columbia-university (accessed 2025-01-14).
2. Greentech Renewables, How Does Temperature Affect Battery Performance? Greentech Renewables. Available at: https://www.greentechrenewables.com/article/how-does-temperature-affect-battery-performance#:~:text=When%20temperatures%20increase%20this%20affects,consistent%20exposure%20to%20extreme%20heat. (accessed 2025-01-14).
3. Leng, X.; Li, Y.; Xu, G.; et al. Prediction of Lithium-ion Battery Internal Temperature Using the Imaginary Part of Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy. Int. J. Heat Mass Trans. 2025, 240, 126664. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheatmasstransfer.2025.126664
4. Wetzel, W. Evaluating Battery Health for Electric Vehicles Using Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy Measurements. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/evaluating-battery-health-for-electric-vehicles-using-electrochemical-impedance-spectroscopy-measurements (accessed 2025-01-14).
5. Zhao, X.; Liu, S.; Li, E.; et al. A hybrid intelligent model using the distribution of relaxation time analysis of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy for lithium-ion battery state of health estimation. J. Ener. Stor. 2024, 84A, 110814. DOI: 10.1016/j.est.2024.110814