Electrolyte inhomogeneity induced lithium plating in fast charging lithium-ion batteries

Fast charging capability of lithium-ion batteries is in urgent need for widespread economic success of electric vehicles. However, the application of the fast charging technology often leads to the inevitable lithium plating on the graphite anode, which is one of the main culprits that endanger battery safety and shorten battery lifespan. The in-depth understanding of the initiation of lithium metal nucleation and the following plating behavior is a key to the development of fast charging cells. Herein, we investigate the overlooked effect of the non-uniform distribution of electrolyte on lithium plating during fast charging. Prior lithium plating occurs on the saturated lithium-graphite compounds in the anode region with sufficient electrolyte since the lithium-ion transport is blocked in the anode region lacking electrolyte. The uniform distribution of electrolyte is crucial for the construction of safe lithium-ion batteries especially in fast charging scenarios.