Fast-charging graphite anode for lithium-ion batteries: Fundamentals, strategies, and outlooks

The basic requirements for lithium-ion batteries in the field of electric vehicles are fast charging and high energy density. This will enhance the competitiveness of electric vehicles in the market while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and effectively preventing environmental pollution. However, the current lithium-ion batteries using graphite anodes cannot achieve the goal of fast charging without compromising electrochemical performance and safety issue. This article analyzes the mechanism of graphite materials for fast-charging lithium-ion batteries from the aspects of battery structure, charge transfer, and mass transport, aiming to fundamentally understand the failure mechanisms of batteries during fast charging. In addition, we review and discuss recent advances in strategies for optimizing fast-charging performance and summarize current improvement methods in graphite electrodes, electrolytes, battery structures, and charging algorithms. Moreover, the challenges and promising concepts for developing future fast-charging graphite anode are emphasized. This review is of great significance for better designing and optimizing graphite materials for high-safety and fast-charging lithium-ion batteries.