Suppressed Lithium Plating for Faster EV 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 study's findings were recently 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 accumulation forms a layer of metallic lithium that continues to grow. Lithium plating can cause damage to the battery, shorten its lifespan, and even lead to short-circuits that may result in fire or explosion.

Dr. Xuekun Lu explains that the key to mitigating lithium plating lies in optimizing the microstructure of the graphite negative electrode. The graphite negative electrode consists of randomly distributed small 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 optimization ultimately improves the battery's overall performance.

According to Dr. Lu, "Our research has shown that the lithiation mechanisms of graphite particles differ depending on various conditions such as surface morphology, size, shape, and orientation. These factors greatly impact the distribution of lithium and the likelihood of lithium plating." Dr. Lu further explains that with the help of a pioneering 3D battery model, the team was able to observe when and where lithium plating initiates and how quickly it grows. This breakthrough has the potential to significantly impact the future of electric vehicles.

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

In addition to 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.

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

FutureCar Staff