BETTER BATTERIES

A new method exists to prevent lithium plating in electric vehicle batteries, which could lead to faster charging times. The plating can occur in lithium-ion batteries during fast charging when lithium ions build up on the surface of the battery’s negative electrode instead of intercalating into it, forming a layer of metallic lithium that continues growing. This can damage the battery, shorten its lifespan, and cause short-circuits that can lead to fire and explosion. Refining the microstructure of the graphite electrode can improve the battery’s energy density, meaning that electric cars could travel further on a single charge.www.qmul.ac.uk/media/news/2023/se/new-study-finds-ways-to-suppress-lithium-plating-in-automotive-batteries-for-faster-charging-electric-vehicles.html