(Invited) Acoustic Detection of Unwanted Lithium Deposition in Lithium Ion Batteries

Abstract

The ability to quickly charge lithium ion batteries at rates comparable to petrol refueling may be an accelerant for the adoption of EVs. In cells of sufficient energy density for EV applications rates faster than 3C can lead to the unwanted deposition of lithium metal on the anode, which at best puts the cell into an indeterminate state. In this work we explore the applicability of electrochemical acoustic signal interrogation for detecting and measuring the deposition of lithium metal within lithium ion cells. Initial experiments indicate sufficiently sensitive detection lithium plating such that BMS protocols may be developed to reverse early stage deposition.