A Simple Prelithiation Strategy To Build a High-Rate and Long-Life Lithium-Ion Battery with Improved Low-Temperature...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Energy Storage

Background:

• Commercial electric vehicles (EVs) rely on lithium-ion batteries (LIBs).
• Current LIBs face limitations in charge/discharge rates, lifespan, and low-temperature performance, hindering EV development.
• Poor performance in cold climates and high altitudes restricts LIB applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a simple prelithiation method for fabricating improved LIBs.
• To enhance the energy density, power density, and cycle life of LIBs.
• To improve the low-temperature performance of LIBs for broader EV applications.

Main Methods:

• A novel prelithiation strategy was employed using a Li3V2(PO4)3 cathode and a hard carbon anode.
• A primary cell was formed, and Li+ extraction from the cathode pre-lithiated the anode.
• A 4V LIB was constructed using the self-formed Li2V2(PO4)3 cathode and the prelithiated hard carbon anode.

Main Results:

• The fabricated LIB achieved a maximum energy density of 208.3 Wh/kg and a power density of 8291 W/kg.
• The battery demonstrated a long cycle life of 2000 cycles.
• At -40°C, the LIB retained 67% of its room-temperature capacity, significantly outperforming conventional LIBs.

Conclusions:

• The developed prelithiation method effectively enhances LIB performance.
• The new LIBs offer superior energy, power, longevity, and crucially, improved low-temperature operation.
• This advancement holds significant potential for accelerating the development and adoption of electric vehicles, especially in diverse climatic conditions.