Fast charging, powerful EV battery: Breakthrough US model unlocks lithium failure secrets
During rapid charging of lithium-ion batteries, lithium plating can occur, where metallic lithium accumulates on the surface of the battery’s anode.
A researcher at the University of Wisconsin-Madison has developed a groundbreaking computational model that provides new insights into the causes of lithium-ion battery failure.
“Fast-charging lithium-ion batteries are ubiquitous, powering everything from cellphones and laptops to electric vehicles. They’re also notorious for overheating or catching fire,” said the university in a press release.
Assistant Professor Weiyu Li has created a model that elucidates the phenomenon of lithium plating. This is a key factor in the overheating and potential fires associated with fast-charging lithium-ion batteries.
Lithium plating occurs when metallic lithium builds up on the surface of a battery’s anode during rapid charging.
“The mechanisms that trigger lithium plating, until now, have not been well understood,” added the press release.
Lithium plating accelerates battery degradation
Lithium-ion batteries’ ability to charge quickly is a significant advantage. However, the propensity for these batteries to overheat or even catch fire during rapid charging has raised safety concerns.
Lithium plating is a major contributing factor to these issues, as it can lead to short circuits and accelerated battery degradation.
“Lithium (Li) plating is a major challenge limiting the adoption of fast-charging Li-ion batteries,” asserted the researcher in a new study.