Application of the differential charging voltage analysis to determine the onset of lithium-plating during fast charging of lithium-ion cells

This study demonstrates the differential charging voltage analysis (DCV) as an in-situ, non-intrusive and timeresolved method, capable of detecting the onset of lithium-plating in lithium-ion cells. The first part of this study starts with a detailed presentation of how the DCV method can detect the onset of lithium-plating. Then, the DCV method is validated by comparison with established in-situ lithium plating detection methods and lifetime cycling. In the second part, the DCV method is utilized as an easy-to-apply tool to study the influence of anode porosity and tortuosity on the fast-charge capability of lithium-ion cells. In order to demonstrate the advantages of the DCV method, graphite anodes with different porosities and coating thicknesses are studied with respect to their charging limitations as a consequence of lithium-plating. Therefore, the electrodes are structurally characterized and the ionic resistance is determined as one of the key performance indicators.

Automated summary

This study demonstrates the use of DCV method for detecting lithium-plating onset in lithium-ion cells and studying the influence of anode porosity and tortuosity on fast-charge capability. The method is validated against established in-situ detection methods and lifetime cycling, showing its advantages in analyzing charging limitations caused by lithium-plating.