Suppressed Lithium Plating Boosts Electric Vehicle Charging Speeds

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 findings of the research were published in the journal Nature Communications.

Lithium plating is a phenomenon that can occur in lithium-ion batteries during rapid charging. It happens when lithium ions accumulate on the surface of the battery's negative electrode instead of integrating into it. This forms a layer of metallic lithium that continues to grow, causing damage to the battery, shortening its lifespan, and potentially leading to fire and explosion hazards.

Dr. Xuekun Lu explains that lithium plating can be significantly reduced by optimizing the microstructure of the graphite negative electrode. The graphite negative electrode consists of randomly distributed small particles, and adjusting the particle and electrode morphology to achieve a homogeneous reaction activity and reduced local lithium saturation is the key to suppressing lithium plating and enhancing battery performance.

"Our research has revealed that the lithiation mechanisms of graphite particles vary under distinct conditions, depending on their surface morphology, size, shape, and orientation. This greatly affects the distribution of lithium and the likelihood of lithium plating," said Dr. Lu. "With the help of a groundbreaking 3D battery model, we can identify when and where lithium plating starts and how quickly it grows. This is a significant breakthrough that could have a profound impact on the future of electric vehicles."

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

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

These findings mark a major breakthrough in the field of electric vehicle battery development. They have the potential to result in faster-charging, longer-lasting, and safer electric cars, making them a more appealing choice for consumers.

FutureCar Staff