Suppressing lithium plating for faster charging of EV batteries

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 study were published in the journal Nature Communications.

Lithium plating is a phenomenon that can occur in lithium-ion batteries when they are charged rapidly. It happens when lithium ions accumulate on the surface of the battery's negative electrode instead of being absorbed into it. This leads to the formation of a layer of metallic lithium that continues to grow. This process can cause damage to the battery, reduce its lifespan, and even cause short-circuits that may result in fire or explosion.

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 tiny particles, and by fine-tuning the particle and electrode morphology, it is possible to achieve a more uniform reaction activity and lower local lithium saturation. These factors are crucial in suppressing lithium plating and enhancing the battery's overall performance.

According to Dr. Lu, "Our research has revealed that the lithiation mechanisms of graphite particles vary under distinct conditions, depending on their surface morphology, size, shape, and orientation. These factors greatly influence the distribution of lithium and the likelihood of lithium plating. By utilizing a pioneering 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 major impact on the future of electric vehicles."

The study also provides valuable insights into the development of advanced fast charging protocols by improving our understanding of the physical processes involved in lithium redistribution within graphite particles during rapid charging. This knowledge could lead to the creation of more efficient charging methods 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 energy density of the battery. This means that electric cars could potentially travel longer distances on a single charge.

These findings represent a major milestone in the advancement of electric vehicle batteries. If implemented, they could result in faster-charging, longer-lasting, and safer electric cars, making them a more appealing option for consumers.

FutureCar Staff