Lithium Plating Kinetics Under Fast Charge Conditions

Abstract

Long range electric vehicular technology requires extreme fast charging under 10-15 minutes. There are numerous existing knowledge gaps inhibiting this feat, including the assessment of lithium plating kinetics on the graphite anode under fast charging conditions. In order to bridge this gap, we performed a combined phase field modeling and experimental analysis to understand the onset of lithium nucleation on graphite particles in fast charging batteries [1,2]. Also, the phase field model is used to understand the effect of lithium nucleation and plating kinetics and their overall impact on lithium intercalation. The study herein presents a model which incorporates solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) effects, interfacial electrochemical reactions such as re-intercalation of plated lithium into graphite, and dendrite growth during fast charge. Finally, the developed framework is a good starting point to spatially predict the amount of plated lithium in the complex graphite anode microstructures, including effects such as surface tension, particle size, porosity, and tortuosity. Ultimately, this work will aid in the design of optimized physical electrolyte properties and charging conditions to delay the onset of lithium nucleation during fast charge.