Ways to prevent lithium plating in EV batteries for faster 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 rapid charging. It happens when lithium ions accumulate on the surface of the battery's negative electrode instead of properly integrating into it. This leads to the formation of a layer of metallic lithium that continues to grow. Lithium plating can cause damage to the battery, shorten its lifespan, and even result in short-circuits that can lead to fire and 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 is composed of randomly distributed tiny particles, and by fine-tuning the particle and electrode morphology, a more homogeneous reaction activity can be achieved, along with reduced local lithium saturation. These factors are key in suppressing lithium plating and enhancing the battery's performance.

"Our research has shown that the lithiation mechanisms of graphite particles vary under different conditions, depending on factors such as surface morphology, size, shape, and orientation. These factors greatly influence the distribution of lithium and the likelihood of lithium plating," said Dr. Lu. "Using a pioneering 3D battery model, we are able to observe 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 improving our understanding of the physical processes involved in lithium redistribution within graphite particles during rapid charging. This knowledge could potentially lead to a more efficient charging process 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 field of electric vehicle batteries. They have the potential to pave the way for faster-charging, longer-lasting, and safer electric cars, making them a more appealing option for consumers.

FutureCar Staff