Introducing Li-ion battery technology to undergraduate students via hands-on lab studies and analysis

Abstract Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) dominate the electrochemical energy storage field currently, yet undergraduate materials science and engineering students often encounter LIB technology primarily via classroom studies. Despite having a fundamental knowledge of electrochemistry, still hands-on experience with cell construction, testing, and performance analysis is missing. This article describes a structured, short-term laboratory module, allowing students to apply fundamental electrochemical principles by assembling and evaluating lithium-ion coin cells. Students construct CR2032 coin cells with graphite anodes and lithium oxide-based cathodes (particularly lithium cobalt oxide or lithium manganese oxide) and test their electrochemical performance under controlled cycling settings. This report shows the analysis of six basic charts, assisting the discussion of important performance metrics such as capacity retention and coulombic efficiency. The subject is purposely comprehensive and analytical, pushing students to use theoretical knowledge, while gaining also practical understanding of experimental constraints and design choices. In addition, general battery-related difficulties and future prospects are raised to encourage additional theoretical and experimental research. This hands-on teaching approach is straightforward, versatile, and easily adaptable to various battery chemistries or extended testing of performance deterioration during cycling. Graphical abstract