What Causes Lithium Plating and How to Prevent It
Lithium plating is one of the most serious degradation mechanisms in lithium-ion batteries. It occurs when metallic lithium deposits on the anode surface instead of being safely intercalated into the graphite layers. Over time, this reduces capacity, increases internal resistance, and creates dangerous conditions that may lead to thermal runaway. Understanding the causes—and how to prevent lithium plating—is essential for maintaining battery performance and safety.
What Is Lithium Plating?
During charging, lithium ions move from the cathode to the anode. Ideally, the ions intercalate smoothly into the graphite anode. Lithium plating happens when this process is disrupted, and metallic lithium deposits on the anode surface instead. Once plating begins, the deposited lithium may form dendrites, which can grow and puncture the separator, creating short‑circuit risks.
Key Risks of Lithium Plating:
- Permanent capacity loss
- Increased internal resistance
- Dendrite formation and potential short circuits
- Thermal runaway risk
Main Causes of Lithium Plating
The following table summarizes the key factors contributing to lithium plating:
| Cause |
Description |
Risk Level |
| Low-temperature charging |
Graphite slows absorption of lithium ions at low temperatures, causing excess ions to plate. |
High |
| Fast charging |
High charging current pushes lithium ions faster than the anode can absorb. |
High |
| Overcharging / poor CV control |
Excessive voltage speeds reactions at the anode, making plating more likely. |
High |
| High anode SOC state |
When the anode is nearly full, there is insufficient space for lithium intercalation. |
Medium |
| Degraded SEI layer |
A damaged SEI layer increases resistance and disrupts orderly ion flow. |
Medium |
How to Prevent Lithium Plating
Prevention depends on proper charging control, temperature management, BMS design, and battery material selection. Below are effective methods:
1. Temperature Control
- Avoid charging lithium-ion batteries below 0°C.
- Use pre-heating systems in EVs, power systems, and outdoor battery packs.
- Integrate thermal management (air cooling or liquid cooling) where appropriate.
2. Optimized Charging Protocols
- Use lower charging currents at low temperature.
- Balance CC–CV charging to protect the graphite anode.
- Avoid prolonged high-voltage charging (e.g., >4.20V for most chemistries).
3. Battery Management System (BMS) Protections
A well-designed BMS greatly reduces plating risk. Effective strategies include:
- Low-temperature charge cut-off
- Adaptive charging current control
- Internal resistance monitoring
- Cell balancing to prevent overcharging
4. Material and Design Considerations
- Use graphite with higher diffusion rates to reduce ion congestion.
- Apply stable SEI-forming additives (FEC, VC, LiFSI).
- Use advanced anodes (graphite–silicon blends) for improved performance.
Checklist: Signs of Possible Lithium Plating
| Indicator |
Meaning |
| Sudden capacity drop |
Inactive lithium loss |
| Increased internal resistance |
Blocked ion pathways |
| Unusual temperature rise during charging |
Poor intercalation efficiency |
| Voltage overshoot |
Graphite saturation or SEI instability |
Conclusion
Lithium plating is a major factor affecting battery safety, life cycle, and performance. By controlling temperature, optimizing charging parameters, improving anode materials, and utilizing a well-engineered BMS, lithium plating can be significantly minimized. For custom lithium battery solutions designed with advanced protection and optimized charging efficiency, Huawen New Power provides engineering-grade guidance and manufacturing expertise.
What Causes Lithium Plating and How to Prevent It
A technical explanation of why lithium plating happens in Li-ion batteries — and proven strategies to avoid it for longer cycle life and safer operation.
Introduction
Lithium plating occurs when metallic lithium deposits on the anode during charging instead of being intercalated into the graphite structure. This phenomenon is one of the most critical aging and safety concerns in lithium-ion batteries because it reduces capacity, increases internal resistance, and may cause internal short circuits. Understanding the causes and prevention techniques can significantly improve battery reliability and lifetime.
Main Causes of Lithium Plating
| Cause |
Description |
Impact |
| Low-temperature charging |
Graphite diffusion slows drastically at low temperatures. |
Lithium deposits on surface instead of intercalating. |
| High charging current (fast charging) |
Charge rate exceeds anode diffusion capability. |
Metallic lithium buildup, SEI damage. |
| Overcharging or improper charging profile |
Excessive potential drives lithium deposition. |
Accelerated degradation and safety risks. |
| Anode aging or high impedance |
Worn SEI or high resistance slows diffusion. |
Higher risk under normal operating currents. |
| Excessive graphite lithiation |
Occurs when anode is fully lithiated near 100% SOC. |
Cannot accept more lithium, causing plating. |
How Lithium Plating Happens: A Quick Visualization
Diffusion-limited Intercalation
At low temperatures or high currents, lithium ions cannot diffuse into graphite fast enough.
Metallic Lithium Deposition
Excess lithium accumulates on the anode surface as metallic deposits.
SEI Layer Stress
Deposits damage the SEI layer, causing thicker SEI and higher impedance.
Dendrite Growth Risk
If plating continues, dendrites may form and increase short-circuit risk.
Warning Signs of Lithium Plating
- Sudden rise in internal resistance (IR)
- Reduced usable capacity after fast charging
- Unusual heat generation during charging
- Voltage plateau anomalies visible during analysis
- Shift in charge/discharge curves over cycles
Critical: Lithium plating is often irreversible. Early detection and preventive charging strategies are essential for long-term battery health.
How to Prevent Lithium Plating
- Avoid charging at low temperatures. Charge above 10–15°C whenever possible.
- Use controlled charging profiles. Implement CC/CV curves appropriate for the cell chemistry.
- Reduce charge current at high SOC. Especially above 80% SOC.
- Implement smart BMS protections. Limit current when temperature or impedance is high.
- Ensure healthy SEI formation. Proper formation cycles improve long-term performance.
- Use cells with optimized anode materials. Improved graphite or silicon‑graphite blends reduce plating tendency.
Sample Prevention Strategy (Engineering Workflow)
| Step |
Action |
Purpose |
| 1. Charging temperature control |
Restrict fast charging below 15°C |
Prevents diffusion-limited plating |
| 2. Adaptive charging currents |
Lower current when SOC > 80% |
Reduces risk at high lithiation levels |
| 3. Real-time impedance monitoring |
BMS slows charge when IR rises |
Detects early plating conditions |
| 4. Balanced cell design |
Optimize anode capacity ratio |
Ensures safe charge acceptance |
Conclusion
Lithium plating is one of the most significant challenges in ensuring safe and long-lasting lithium-ion battery operation. By understanding its causes and implementing strong prevention strategies — temperature control, optimized charging profiles, and intelligent BMS — manufacturers and users can greatly extend battery lifespan.
