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Fast-charging lithium-ion batteries have become a fundamental part of modern technology, powering everything from smartphones and laptops to electric vehicles. However, these batteries are frequently associated with risks such as overheating or even catching fire.
In response to these challenges, researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have developed a groundbreaking computational model that sheds light on one of the key failure mechanisms associated with lithium-ion batteries: lithium plating.
This model, created by Weiyu Li, an assistant professor of mechanical engineering, offers insights into lithium plating, a process where rapid charging leads to the accumulation of metallic lithium on the battery’s anode. This buildup not only accelerates the degradation of the battery but also increases the risk of thermal events.
Understanding the factors that lead to lithium plating has been a complex undertaking historically. Li’s innovative model focused on the behavior of lithium plating on a graphite anode within a lithium-ion battery. She discovered that the intricate relationship between ion transport and electrochemical reactions plays a crucial role in this phenomenon. The findings of her research were published on March 10, 2025, in the journal ACS Energy Letters.
“Through this model, I established clear relationships between various factors, including operational conditions and material characteristics, that influence the onset of lithium plating,” Li explained. “I have created a diagram that offers physics-based strategies for mitigating this issue. This resource simplifies the findings, allowing other researchers to apply the insights without additional simulations.”
With the implementation of her findings, researchers now have the potential to not only identify optimal materials for batteries but also develop charging protocols that can prolong battery lifespan.
“This guidance grounded in physics is crucial, as it allows us to determine the ideal adjustments to current density during charging, taking into account the battery’s state of charge and its material properties, in order to prevent lithium plating from occurring,” Li added.
Prior studies on lithium plating predominantly concentrated on extreme scenarios. In contrast, Li’s model offers a broader exploration of the conditions leading to lithium plating, presenting a more detailed understanding of the issue.
Looking ahead, Li intends to enhance her model by integrating mechanical factors, such as the stress generated within the battery, to further examine their influence on the process of lithium plating.
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