Lithium Plating Behavior in Lithium-Ion Cells

A Li-ion cell does not contain metallic lithium under normal conditions of operation. Under strenuous charge conditions, however, metallic lithium may deposit on the carbon anode in preference to lithium intercalation and may cause problems in terms of performance, reliability and safety of the cell. Factors that affect the anode polarization and also Li intercalation kinetics play a crucial role in determining the propensity for such lithium deposition. Such factors include the nature of electrolyte, anode/cathode capacity ration, which have been studied with specific examples here. Further, various prototype cells from different manufacturers have been examined for their susceptibility towards lithium plating from a set of systematic charge/discharge tests at different charge rates and temperatures.