Modeling of lithium plating and lithium stripping in lithium-ion batteries

In this study, we present a physicochemical model considering both lithium plating and lithium stripping side reactions in lithium-ion batteries. The model shows the amount of reversibly plated lithium dependent on the charging current on the surface of the graphite anode. In the subsequent discharge, a characteristic voltage plateau due to lithium stripping is simulated. The shape of the voltage plateau corresponds to the amount of previously plated lithium. The model correlates with experimental data of a commercial 18650-type NMC/C cell. The simulated amount of plated lithium is in the same range as in a previous neutron diffraction study with the same cell type. To induce lithium plating, the cells are charged with various C-rates at an ambient temperature of 0 °C. The measured voltage plateau caused by lithium stripping in the discharge is correctly described by simulation.