Suppressing 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 findings of the study 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 negative electrode of the battery, lithium ions accumulate on its surface, forming a layer of metallic lithium that continues to grow. This can be detrimental to the battery, reducing its lifespan and causing short-circuits that can lead to fire and explosion.

Dr. Xuekun Lu explains that by optimizing the microstructure of the graphite negative electrode, lithium plating can be significantly reduced. 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, leading to reduced local lithium saturation and suppression of lithium plating. This, in turn, improves the overall performance of the battery.

Dr. Lu further states, "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 lithium distribution and the likelihood of lithium plating. With the help of our pioneering 3D battery model, we can accurately determine when and where lithium plating occurs 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 enhancing the understanding of the physical processes involved in lithium redistribution within graphite particles during fast charging. This newfound knowledge could pave the way for an efficient charging process while minimizing the risk of lithium plating.

In addition to faster charging times, the study also uncovered 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 mark a major milestone in the advancement of electric vehicle batteries. They have the potential to revolutionize the industry by enabling faster-charging, longer-lasting, and safer electric cars. This would undoubtedly make electric vehicles a more appealing choice for consumers.

FutureCar Staff