Prelithiation of lithium-ion batteries towards commercialization: concepts, challenges, and application prospects

Abstract

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are required to deliver high energy density and long cycle life to meet the increasing demands of electric vehicle batteries. However, significant irreversible capacity loss occurs during the initial cycles, primarily due to the formation of a solid electrolyte interface (SEI) on the anode surface, which greatly reduces the energy density and cycle life of the full battery. Fortunately, various anode and cathode prelithiation techniques have been developed to address this critical issue. Prelithiation compensates for the initial active lithium loss (ALL), effectively enhancing cycle life and energy density while remaining compatible with the current commercial production of LIBs. This comprehensive review delves into the latest developments in prelithiation strategies for the anode, cathode, and electrolyte, examining the underlying principles and assessing the merits and limitations of each method in terms of performance and industrial applicability. Furthermore, the review evaluates the commercial viability of the different prelithiation techniques and forecasts future research directions in the field, offering invaluable insights for the advancement of prelithiation technology in the battery industry.