Operando Quantified Lithium Plating Determination Enabled by Dynamic Capacitance Measurement in Working Li-Ion Batteries

The access to full performance of state-of-the-art Li-ion batteries (LIBs) is hindered by the mysterious lithium plating behavior. A rapid quantified lithium plating determination method compatible with actual working conditions is an urgent necessity for safe working LIBs. In this contribution, the relationship between electrical double layer (EDL) capacitance and electrochemical active surface area (ECSA) of graphite anodes during the Li-ion intercalation and Li plating processes is unveiled. We propose an operando lithium plating determination method based on the dynamic capacitance measurement (DCM) test. Reasonable selection of alternating current (AC) frequency protects the anodic responses from the interference of cathodic responses, which allows DCM to be applied in practical LIBs. The onset of lithium plating can be quantitatively traced, demonstrating the promise for real-time operando determination for lithium plating in a working battery.

Automated summary

The relationship between electrical double layer capacitance and electrochemical active surface area of graphite anodes during Li-ion intercalation and Li plating processes is revealed. A lithium plating determination method based on dynamic capacitance measurement is proposed, which allows real-time monitoring of the onset of lithium plating in a working battery.