Study discovers methods to prevent lithium plating in EV batteries for quicker charging

author: FutureCar Staff    

A new study led by Dr. Xuekun Lu from Queen Mary University of London in collaboration with an international team of researchers from the UK and USA has discovered a method to prevent lithium plating in electric vehicle batteries. This breakthrough could potentially result in faster charging times for electric vehicles. The research findings were published in the journal Nature Communications.

Lithium plating is a phenomenon that can occur in lithium-ion batteries during fast charging. Instead of intercalating into the battery's negative electrode, lithium ions accumulate on its surface, forming a layer of metallic lithium. This can lead to damage, reduced lifespan, and even short-circuits that pose a fire and explosion risk.

Dr. Xuekun Lu explains that the optimization of the microstructure of the graphite negative electrode can significantly mitigate lithium plating. The graphite negative electrode consists of randomly distributed tiny particles, and by fine-tuning the particle and electrode morphology, a homogeneous reaction activity can be achieved, reducing local lithium saturation and suppressing lithium plating. This, in turn, improves the battery's overall performance.

"Our research has shown that the lithiation mechanisms of graphite particles vary depending on their surface morphology, size, shape, and orientation under different conditions. These factors greatly influence the distribution of lithium and the likelihood of lithium plating," said Dr. Lu. "Using a pioneering 3D battery model, we were able to identify when and where lithium plating occurs and how fast it grows. This breakthrough has significant implications for the future of electric vehicles."

The study provides valuable insights into the development of advanced fast charging protocols by enhancing the understanding of the physical processes involved in lithium redistribution within graphite particles during fast charging. This knowledge could lead to the implementation of more efficient charging processes while minimizing the risk of lithium plating.

In addition to the potential for faster charging times, the study also found that refining the microstructure of the graphite electrode can improve the battery's energy density. This means that electric cars could potentially travel longer distances on a single charge.

Overall, these findings represent a major breakthrough in the development of electric vehicle batteries. They have the potential to result in faster-charging, longer-lasting, and safer electric cars, making them a more appealing option for consumers.

FutureCar Staff