Lithium batteries - Secondary systems – Lithium-ion battery | Pre-lithiation in lithium ion batteries – An overview

Energy and power density capabilities of state-of-the-art (SOTA) Li-ion batteries can be improved by exchanging the graphite-based anode by silicon (Si). Though, higher specific capacities at anode level and energies at cell level can be achieved, the cycle life remains a challenge due to high capacity losses associated with active lithium loss (ALL) in course of high volume expansions of Si and re-formation of solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) during charge/discharge cycling. Pre-lithiation with additional active lithium to compensate ALL is therefore a viable R&D strategy. In this section, the common approaches, i.e., direct contact pre-lithiation of anode with metallic Li, indirect pre-lithiation via the cathode (e.g., by using sacrificing additives, cathode over-lithiation), chemical lithiation with organolithium compounds and electrochemical pre-lithiation (e.g., electrolysis of lithium containing solutions or via a Li anode) are critically reviewed.