Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “Lithium plating”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 91 records · Page 5
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2020

Quantification of Inactive Lithium and Solid–Electrolyte Interphase Species on Graphite Electrodes after Fast Charging

Rapid charging of Li-ion batteries is limited by lithium plating on graphite anodes, whereby Li+ ions are reduced to Li metal on the graphite particle surface instead of inserting between graphitic layers, which directly contributes to cell capacity loss because of the low reversibility of the Li plating/stripping process. Furthermore, precisely identifying the onset and amount of Li plating is therefore vital in order to remedy these issues. We demonstrate a titration technique with a detection limit of 20 nmol (5 × 10 –4 mAh) of Li that can be used to quantify inactive Li that remains on the graphite electrode after fast charging. The titration is extended to quantify the total amount of solid carbonate species and lithium acetylide (Li 2 C 2 ) within the solid–electrolyte interphase (SEI), and electrochemical modeling is used to determine the Li plating exchange current density (10 A/m 2 ) and stripping efficiency (65%) of plated Li metal on graphite. These techniques provide a highly accurate measure of the onset of Li plating and quantitative insight into graphite SEI evolution during fast charging.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Effect of thermal environments on fast charging Li-ion batteries

Battery thermal management systems (BTMSs) are expected to keep the battery temperature at a moderate level (~30 °C) to minimize the thermally exacerbated degradation. However, during fast charging, a strong cooling system is required to restrict the temperature rise of Li-ion batteries (LiBs), which significantly increases the cost and weight of battery packs, and induces a large temperature variation inside the battery. Here, in this work, we find that all these drawbacks could be relieved by allowing LiBs to charge at higher temperatures. Since the fast charging of a LiB only takes a tiny fraction of its lifetime, the aging rate is limited even at a charging temperature of 60 °C. Three types of thermal environments are proposed: kept constant at 30 °C, preheated to 60 °C, and adiabatic fast charging. With an experimentally validated electrochemical-thermal (ECT) coupled model, we explore the interplay between thermal management and the fast-charging performance. It is found that a gradually increasing temperature profile is the best option to balance the lithium plating and thermal management of the battery. Combining adiabatic fast charging with a preheating step, we can achieve minimal cooling need, perfect temperature uniformity within a battery, and fast-charging capability simultaneously.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2020

Enabling fast charging of lithium-ion batteries through secondary-/dual- pore network: Part II - numerical model

To increase the market share of electric vehicles, it is desirable to reduce the battery charge times, which are significantly limited by poor electrolyte transport. A high rate charging is achievable by using expensive and low energy density cells with thin electrodes. For higher energy density cells, new electrolytes with improved conductivity and diffusivity and/or electrodes with advanced architecture are required to boost the electrolyte transport, leading to a more uniform utilization of active materials. In our previous work, an analytical model was developed to investigate the effect of secondary pore network (SPN) on electrolyte transport and the configuration of SPN was optimized by enforcing equal characteristic diffusion times in through-plane and in-plane directions. Here, to evaluate the effect of SPN on the fast-charging capability of lithium-ion batteries, a 2D physics-based electrochemical model is developed with SPN in either one or both electrodes. Additionally, the effect of SPN on cell energy density and lithium plating is investigated for cells with different loadings and electrode porosities. Combining SPN with elevated charging temperatures, the model predicts that the volumetric discharge energy density of a 3 mA h/cm2 cell can reach 270 Wh/L after a 6C constant-current charging.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2020

Rate-Dependent Aging Resulting from Fast Charging of Li-Ion Cells

The mass electrification of personal and service vehicles is reliant on the ability of battery packs to undergo extreme fast recharging. A central challenge is that the repeated exposure to high currents can trigger and/or accelerate mechanisms of performance degradation, such as lithium deposition, mechanical damage of active material particles, and impedance rise. Here, we investigate whether constraining high-rate charging to limited state-of-charge (SOC) ranges can mitigate these aging processes. Our experiments map the boundaries of lithium plating conditions, and also indicate that permanent losses of electrode capacity appear to be a function of cycle number, but not charging rate. Interestingly, we show that impedance rise appears to depend on charging rate alone, and not on the amount of charge passed at each cycle. This observation suggests that limiting fast charging to a narrow SOC range would only delay cell aging, but not fully prevent it from happening. We identify oxide-particle cracking as the likely mechanism for this impedance rise, suggesting that particle and electrode design are essential to enable fast charging. The findings of this work can inform the development of fast-charging protocols that are less damaging to cell health.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2026

Strategies for Enhancing Battery Life Under Fast Charging: Insights from NMC-Based Cell Cycling

Fast charging improves the usability of consumer electronics and electric vehicles (EVs) by reducing range anxiety and downtime but accelerates battery degradation and raises safety concerns. Optimizing operational conditions during fast-charging is critical to mitigating aging and ensuring safety. This study evaluated multilayer Gr/NMC811 cells under various conditions, including depths of discharge (DODs of 68%, 84%, and 100%), upper charge cutoff voltages (4.1–4.2 V), and post-charge rest periods (2–30 min), using a 20 min fast charging protocol for up to 500 cycles (up to 150,000 miles of EV use assuming 3.3 mi/kWh vehicle level energy efficiency). Surprisingly, higher DODs under fast charging improved battery life and performance compared to lower DODs. Reducing the upper charge cut-off voltage helped mitigate degradation. A brief 2 min rest period after charging further reduced aging effects. The primary aging modes were loss of lithium inventory and cathode active material. Although minor lithium plating was observed within 500 cycles, it did not affect performance significantly. These findings suggest that, with optimized conditions, cells can sustain hundreds of fast charge cycles—equivalent to over 100,000 miles of EV use—without significant adverse effects on performance or longevity.

25 - ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2026

Non-Invasive Electrode Impedance Estimation for Optimized Charge Profile Parameterization of Lithium-Ion Batteries

This work presents a non-invasive method for parameterizing a physically motivated equivalent circuit model of lithium-ion batteries using operando electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and time-domain data. The proposed model consists exclusively of linear circuit elements, enabling computationally efficient simulation and real-time implementation on battery management system chips. By integrating frequency- and time-domain measurements, the model accurately estimates internal states such as the negative electrode potential, achieving a root mean square error of 12.3 mV during fast charging validation. Parameterization requires only rate tests with sinusoidal perturbations at three different ambient temperatures, making the approach experimentally accessible. The model reveals key insights into battery behavior, including rate-dependent overpotentials primarily governed by charge transfer kinetics at the positive electrode, and temperature-dependent impedance contributions from both charge transfer and solid-state diffusion processes. Validation using reference electrodes confirms the model’s ability to detect lithium plating onset and reproduce impedance behavior across a wide range of operating conditions. The approach enables in situ optimization of fast charging profiles and lays the foundation for future extensions incorporating aging effects and plating dynamics.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Sulfide-Based Anode-Free Solid-State Batteries: Key Challenges and Emerging Solutions

Sulfide-based anode-free solid-state batteries (AFSSBs) have emerged as a transformative technology for next-generation energy storage, offering compelling advantages in energy density, safety, and manufacturing scalability. However, these batteries face significant challenges, particularly rapid capacity degradation that currently limits their practical implementation. This comprehensive review critically examines three fundamental issues affecting AFSSBs: nonuniform lithium nucleation on bare current collectors, unstable interfaces between plated lithium and sulfide electrolytes, and formation of interfacial voids during cycling. We systematically evaluate recent strategic advances in addressing these challenges, including metal seed coatings, conversion reaction-based compounds, and carbon-based interlayers. The review also analyzes the crucial role of advanced characterization techniques, from cryo-FIB-SEM to operando methods, in understanding failure mechanisms and validating improvement strategies. Finally, we present a forward-looking perspective on research directions necessary for commercialization. This work provides a thorough framework for understanding and advancing sulfide-based AFSSBs toward practical applications in next-generation energy storage systems.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
NASA NTRS2013

Investigation of Methods for Selectively Reinforcing Aluminum and Aluminum-Lithium Materials

Several studies have indicated that selective reinforcement offers the potential to significantly improve the performance of metallic structures for aerospace applications. Applying high-strength, high-stiffness fibers to the high-stress regions of aluminum-based structures can increase the structural load-carrying capability and inhibit fatigue crack initiation and growth. This paper discusses an investigation into potential methods for applying reinforcing fibers onto the surface of aluminum and aluminum-lithium plate. Commercially-available alumina-fiber reinforced aluminum alloy tapes were used as the reinforcing material. Vacuum hot pressing was used to bond the reinforcing tape to aluminum alloy 2219 and aluminum-lithium alloy 2195 base plates. Static and cyclic three-point bend testing and metallurgical analysis were used to evaluate the enhancement of mechanical performance and the integrity of the bond between the tape and the base plate. The tests demonstrated an increase in specific bending stiffness. In addition, no issues with debonding of the reinforcing tape from the base plate during bend testing were observed. The increase in specific stiffness indicates that selectively-reinforced structures could be designed with the same performance capabilities as a conventional unreinforced structure but with lower mass.

Bird, R. Keith↗
DOE OSTI2025

Unveiling the Role of Lithium Iodide in Stabilizing Solid Interfaces in All-Solid-State Li Metal Batteries

A critical challenge in all-solid-state lithium metal batteries (ASSLMBs) is achieving a stable interface between the lithium metal anode and the solid electrolyte. Leveraging its success in Li/I 2 batteries, lithium iodide has garnered significant attentions for its potential to enhance interfacial stability and overall cell performance in ASSLMBs. Here, we elucidate the role of lithium iodide in stabilizing the solid interface in all-solid-state Li metal batteries with a Li argyrodite electrolyte, particularly focusing on its influence on lithium deposition behavior and interfacial evolution. Through in situ optical imaging, we demonstrate more uniform lithium deposition on an iodide-contained argyrodite electrolyte compared to a chloride-based counterpart. Complementary density functional theory calculations attribute improved lithium plating behavior to the enhanced lithiophilicity and better ionic conductivity of lithium iodide at the solid interface, effectively reducing localized current density. In conclusion, these findings provide useful insights into the mechanisms through which lithium iodide enhances the interfacial stability in ASSLMBs.

Anions↗
DOE OSTI2021

Magnetohydrodynamic Control of Interfacial Degradation in Lithium-Ion Batteries for Fast Charging Applications

Interfacial anodic degradation in graphitic materials under fast charging conditions causes severe performance loss and safety hazard in lithium ion batteries. We present a novel method for minimizing the growth of these aging mechanism by application of an external magnetic field. Under magnetic field, paramagnetic lithium ions experience a magnetohydrodynamic force, which rotates the perpendicularly diffusing species and homogenizes the ionic transport. This phenomenon minimizes the overpotential hotspots at the anode/separator interface, consequently reducing SEI growth, lithium plating, and interfacial fracture. In situ electrochemical measurements indicate an improvement in capacity for lithium cobalt oxide/graphite pouch cell (20 mAh) charged from 1–5 C under an applied field of 1.8 kG, with a maximum capacity gain of 22% at 5C. Post-mortem FE-SEM and EDS mapping shows that samples charged with magnetic field have a reduced lithium deposition at 3C and a complete suppression of interfacial fracture at 5C. At 5C, a 24% reduction in the lithium content is observed by performing XPS on the anodic interfacial film. Finally, fast charging performance under variable magnetic field strengths indicate a saturation behavior in capacity at high fields (>2 kG), thereby limiting the field and consequent energy requirements to obtain maximum capacity gain under extreme conditions.

electromagnetism↗
DOE OSTI2023

Nonintrusive thermal-wave sensor for operando quantification of degradation in commercial batteries

Abstract Monitoring real-world battery degradation is crucial for the widespread application of batteries in different scenarios. However, acquiring quantitative degradation information in operating commercial cells is challenging due to the complex, embedded, and/or qualitative nature of most existing sensing techniques. This process is essentially limited by the type of signals used for detection. Here, we report the use of effective battery thermal conductivity ( k eff ) as a quantitative indicator of battery degradation by leveraging the strong dependence of k eff on battery-structure changes. A measurement scheme based on attachable thermal-wave sensors is developed for non-embedded detection and quantitative assessment. A proof-of-concept study of battery degradation during fast charging demonstrates that the amount of lithium plating and electrolyte consumption associated with the side reactions on the graphite anode and deposited lithium can be quantitatively distinguished using our method. Therefore, this work opens the door to the quantitative evaluation of battery degradation using simple non-embedded thermal-wave sensors.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2024

Operando investigations of the solid electrolyte interphase in the lithium mediated nitrogen reduction reaction

The lithium-mediated nitrogen reduction reaction (Li-NRR) represents a promising approach for electrochemical nitrogen activation, in which the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer formed on the electrochemically plated lithium plays a key role. Herein, we used time-resolved, operando, grazing incidence wide-angle X-ray scattering (GI WAXS) to identify SEI species and reaction intermediates in the Li-NRR, comparing LiBF 4 and LiClO 4 as electrolyte salts. In this study, we demonstrated how the SEI composition influences the Li-NRR performance by regulating proton transport to the plated Li. When LiBF 4 is used as the electrolyte salt, the formation of LiF and lithium ethoxide (LiEtO) is observed. Reaction intermediates such as LiH and LiN x H y species were found and provide insight into reaction pathways towards undesired and desired products, respectively. Observed restructuring of the Cu (111) single crystal substrate also indicates interaction with plated Li that could possibly influence the Li-NRR performance. Together, these experiments give molecular insight into how to design Li-NRR systems and their SEI layers for optimal performance.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
NASA NTRS1965

Adherent protective coatings plated on magnesium-lithium alloy

Zinc is plated on a magnesium-lithium alloy by using a modification of the standard zinc-plate immersion bath. Further protection is given the alloy by applying a light plating of copper on the zinc plating. Other metals are plated on the copper by using conventional plating baths.

Source record↗
DOE OSTI2021

Working Principle of an Ionic Liquid Interlayer During Pressureless Lithium Stripping on Li 6.25 Al 0.25 La 3 Zr 2 O 12 (LLZO) Garnet‐Type Solid Electrolyte

Abstract Solid‐state‐batteries employing lithium metal anodes promise high theoretical energy and power densities. However, morphological instability occurring at the lithium/solid–electrolyte interface when stripping and plating lithium during cell cycling needs to be mitigated. Vacancy diffusion in lithium metal is not sufficiently fast to prevent pore formation at the interface above a certain current density during stripping. Applied pressure of several MPa can prevent pore formation, but this is not conducive to practical application. This work investigates the concept of ionic liquids as “self‐adjusting” interlayers to compensate morphological changes of the lithium anode while avoiding the use of external pressure. A clear improvement of the lithium dissolution process is observed as it is possible to continuously strip more than 70 μm lithium (i. e., 15 mAh cm −2 charge) without the need for external pressure during assembly and electrochemical testing of the system. The impedance of the investigated electrodes is analyzed in detail, and contributions of the different interfaces are evaluated. The conclusions are corroborated with morphology studies using cryo‐FIB‐SEM and chemical analysis using XPS. This improves the understanding of the impedance response and lithium stripping in electrodes employing liquid interlayers, acting as a stepping‐stone for future optimization.

Fuchs, Till↗
DOE OSTI2023

Silver-carbon interlayers in anode-free solid-state lithium metal batteries: Current development, interfacial issues, and instability challenges

As an interlayer between the anode and the electrolyte of the all-solid-state lithium metal batteries (ASSLMBs), the silver-carbon (Ag-C) nanocomposite has been reported to significantly increase the energy density and cycle rate of solid-state lithium metal batteries. Ag-C interlayers serve as mixed ionic-electronic conductor that conducts both Li+ ions and electrons and lithium storage capacity. Unfortunately, it was unclear how the Ag-C interlayer regulated lithium plating and stripping. Moreover, the structural and chemical instabilities between the interlayer and the electrolyte, within the interlayer, or beneath the interlayer on lithium substrate are likely to cause cell failure. In this review, we discuss interfacial issues and summarize recent progress in solution strategies for ASSLMBs, with a specific focus on the use of a silver-carbon (Ag-C) nanocomposite interlayer in anode-free setups. Based on the Li transport kinetics among the Ag-C interlayers, the interfacial configurations of Ag-C interlayers are classified as either exterior or internal. Furthermore, the review concludes with a discussion of the perspectives and future prospects, allowing for the improvement of interlayer techniques for solid-state batteries.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2023

Understanding and controlling lithium morphology in solid polymer and gel polymer systems: mechanisms, strategies, and gaps

Lithium metal anode promises the highest theoretical energy density and may enable high energy designs such as lithium–sulfur and lithium–air batteries. However, stable lithium plating and stripping remains a challenge in all electrolyte systems including liquids, polymers, and ceramic electrolytes. In this perspective, we examine literature studies of lithium morphologies in solid polymer and gel polymer systems and compare that with well-studied liquid electrolytes. In solid polymer electrolytes, current density and mechanical properties are both governing parameters for lithium morphology, differing from conventional liquid electrolytes. Stable lithium electrodeposition may be accomplished by a polymer electrolyte with good stiffness operating at significantly lower current densities than its limiting current density, which is defined by the Sand equation. In gel polymer electrolytes, the reported lithium morphology is more similar to that in liquid electrolytes, suggesting similar nucleation and growth mechanisms. Based on experimental evidence and theoretical guidance, current strategies to control lithium morphology in solid polymer and gel polymer electrolytes are summarized. The limitations of these strategies are discussed. In particular, we note the knowledge gap in understanding the solid electrolyte interphase in solid polymer systems and the critical role it can play in regulating lithium morphologies.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2022

Uncovering the Solvation Structure of LiPF 6 –Based Localized Saturated Electrolytes and Their Effect on LiNiO 2 –Based Lithium–Metal Batteries

Electrolytes play a critical role in stabilizing highly reactive lithium-metal anodes (LMAs) and high-voltage cathodes for rechargeable lithium-metal batteries (LMBs). Localized high concentration electrolytes (LHCEs) have achieved remarkable success in the context of LMBs. However, the state-of-the-art LHCEs are based on LiFSI salt, which is prohibitively expensive. Here, the utility of low-cost LiPF 6 salt in localized saturated electrolytes (LSEs) with a series of solvents and diluents in LMBs with cobalt-free LiNiO 2 cathode is systematically explored. Experimental and theoretical analyses reveal that the unique solvation structure formed not only changes the distribution of solvents and anions but also alters the atom–atom distances within them, leading to different reduction and oxidation stabilities compared to low-concentration electrolytes. In addition, LSEs help form LiF-rich interphase layers on the LMA and LiNiO 2 cathode, protecting the electrodes from degradation during cycling. Different LSEs also lead to differences in lithium plating morphology and impedance buildup during cycling, impacting the performance of LMBs. Finally, the solvent and diluent must be carefully selected for compatibility with a lithium salt when developing LHCEs and LSEs for LMBs.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Uncovering the Relationship between Aging and Cycling on Lithium Metal Battery Self-Discharge

Lithium metal is considered the “holy grail” material to replace typical Li-ion anodes due to the absence of a host structure coupled with a high theoretical capacity. The absence of a host structure results in large volumetric changes when lithium is electrodeposited/dissolved, making the lithium prone to stranding and parasitic reactions with the electrolyte. Lithium research is focused on enabling highly reversible lithium electrodeposition/dissolution, which is important to achieving long cycle life. Understanding the various mechanisms of self-discharge is also critical for realizing practical lithium metal batteries but is often overlooked. In contrast to previous work, it is shown here that self-discharge via galvanic corrosion is negligible, particularly when lithium is cycled to relevant capacities. Rather, the continued electrochemical cycling of lithium metal results in self-discharge when periodic rest is applied during cycling. The extent of self-discharge can be controlled by increasing the capacity of plated lithium, tuning electrolyte chemistry, incorporating regular rest, or introducing lithiophilic materials. Finally, the Coulombic losses that occur during periodic rest are largely reversible, suggesting that the dominant self-discharge mechanism in this work is not an irreversible chemical process but rather a morphological process.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗