Reaction energy for a Lithium Iron Phosphate battery

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on determining the Gibbs energy for the discharge reaction of a Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) battery. The user, Julian, compares the approach used for a lead-acid battery to that of LiFePO4, highlighting the complexity due to the variable proportion of lithium in the reaction. The overall reaction for LiFePO4 is presented, but Julian seeks clarification on the correct breakdown of molar masses and methods for calculating specific charge and energy densities. The discussion emphasizes the need for precise values and methodologies in battery research.

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  • Understanding of Gibbs free energy and its application in electrochemistry
  • Familiarity with molar mass calculations and stoichiometry
  • Knowledge of battery chemistry, specifically Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4)
  • Experience with specific charge and energy density calculations in batteries
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  • Research the calculation of Gibbs energy for LiFePO4 reactions
  • Study the impact of variable proportions in battery reactions
  • Learn about specific charge density calculations for Lithium-ion batteries
  • Explore methods for deriving reaction energies from thermodynamic data
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Researchers in battery technology, electrochemists, and engineers focused on optimizing Lithium Iron Phosphate battery performance and energy calculations.

JulesP
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TL;DR
Working out the specific charge and energy density for a LiFePO4 battery from the reaction equation
For my battery research, I am trying to determine the reaction (Gibbs) energy for what occurs in a LiFePO4 battery as it discharges.

For reference, I have used the approach that works for a Pb-Acid battery, as laid out below using molar masses, and am then trying to do the same for the LiFePO4 reaction.

Reaction:
Pb(s) + PbO2 (s) + 4H+ (aq) + 2SO4 2- (aq) → 2PbSO4 (s) + 2H2O (l) (𝜈e = 2)

∑I Mi = 1 x M(Pb) + 1 x M(PbO2) + 2 x M(H2SO4) = (207.2) + (239.2) + (2 x 98.1) = 642.6 g/mol

Specific Charge Density = q Pb-acid
= z F / ∑I Mi = 2 x 26.8 / 642.6 = 0.0834 Ah/g = 83.4 Ah/kg (where F is the Faraday constant)

Specific Energy Density = q x EOcell = 83.4 x 2.06 = 171.8 Wh/kg

For the Lithium Iron Phosphate, the overall reaction is:

LiFePO4 + 6xC ⇄ Li(1-x)FePO4 + Li(x)C6

∑I Mi = 1 x M(LiFePO4) + 6 x M(C) + 1 x M(Li(1-x)FePO4) + 1xM(Li(x)C6) = (158) + (36) + (??) + (??) = ??? g/mol

Clearly, due to the variable proportion ‘x’, it is hard to be precise about the molar masses of some of these components.

So my query is firstly, is the above breakdown correct and secondly, is there a better way to derive the specific charge and energy densities for the Lithium reaction, perhaps using the (Reaction energies of products) - (Reaction energies of the reactants)?

Can anyone please help me clarify the energetics of this reaction and the sources of any values used?

Thank you

Julian
 

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