Prelithiation Enhances Cycling Life of Lithium‐Ion Batteries: A Mini Review

Abstract

During the last decade, the rapid development of lithium‐ion battery (LIB) energy storage systems has provided significant support for the efficient operation of renewable energy stations. In the coming years, the service life demand of energy storage systems will be further increased to 30 years from the current 20 years on the basis of the equivalent service life of renewable energy stations. However, the life of the present LIB is far from meeting such high demand. Therefore, research on the next‐generation LIB with ultra‐long service life is imminent. Prelithiation technology has been widely studied as an important means to compensate for the initial coulombic efficiency loss and improve the service life of LIBs. This review systematically summarized the different prelithiation methods from anode and cathode electrodes. Moreover, the large‐scale industrialization challenge and the possibility of the existing prelithiation technology are analyzed, based on three key parameters: industry compatibility, prelithiation efficiency, and energy density. Finally, the future trends of improvement in LIB performance by other overlithiated cathode materials are presented, which gives a reference for subsequent research.

Long‐Life Quasi‐Solid‐State Anode‐Free Batteries Enabled by Li Compensation Coupled Interface Engineering

“…Compared to available Li supplements such as Li 2 O, LiFe 5 O 4 , and Li 2 C 4 O 6 , which decompose at above 2.9–4.2 V (vs Li + /Li) to release O 2 , Li 2 S can extract Li + at a much lower potential without gas product. [ 30 ] Together with a high lithiation degree of Li 2 S, it facilitates a higher capacity ratio of Li‐metal‐deposited anode to cathode (A/C). This benefit is favorable for extending the duration of A/C >1, where excess Li is sufficient to offset Li loss and prolong the lifetime of AFLMBs.…”

Lithium sulfide: a promising prelithiation agent for high‐performance lithium‐ion batteries

“…The huge Li + loss due to the SEI formation, marked by a low Coulombic efficiency (CE), greatly limits the application of high‐capacity anode materials. Despite intensive investigations on novel electrodes, electrolytes, and additives, prelithiation is still the most effective and direct way to enhance the initial CE and compensate for the irreversible lithium loss 35–46 . The central issue of prelithiation is to compensate for the lithium loss during SEI formation from an external lithium source, that is, prelithiation agents, rather than cathode materials.…”

“…Despite intensive investigations on novel electrodes, electrolytes, and additives, prelithiation is still the most effective and direct way to enhance the initial CE and compensate for the irreversible lithium loss. [35][36][37][38][39][40][41][42][43][44][45][46] The central issue of prelithiation is to compensate for the lithium loss during SEI formation from an external lithium source, that is, prelithiation agents, rather than cathode materials. Aiding by prelithiation agents, both energy density and cycle stability can be improved.…”

Lithiophilic Chemistry Facilitated Ultrathin Lithium for Scalable Prelithiation

“…It is noteworthy that further research is required to deal with the high reactivity of metallic Li. The adaptation of industrial manufacturing processes is a viable option. , By adjusting existing manufacturing steps and strictly controlling the environmental humidity or atmosphere during the electrode processing process, the reported prelithiation method can be applied to industrial production. Second, the air stability of the UTL can be enhanced by establishing a surface passivation layer or optimizing the contact interface.…”

“…Li sources can be introduced into the battery system through a variety of approaches, − and the direct addition of anode prelithiation reagents has shown promising application prospects for its ability to provide high prelithiation capacities with minimal byproduct . Due to the lower potential of the anode prelithiation reagents, they react with the anode active material after electrolyte infiltration .…”