Understanding the Impact of Stripping Behavior on Subsequent Lithium Metal Growth for Achieving Homogeneity

The lithium (Li) metal anode is regarded as the upcoming generation of battery anodes due to its high theoretical capacity (3860 mAh g⁻¹) and low standard reduction potential (−3.04 vs SHE). Addressing challenges related to the formation of Li metal dendrites, such as short circuits and low Coulombic efficiency, is crucial for the practical implementation of Li metal anodes. Previous research on Li metal has primarily focus on the Li plating process for achieving homogeneous growth. However, our study highlights the significance of pit formation variations, which significantly influence Li growth behavior in subsequent cycles. Expanding on this understanding, we formulated electrochemical activation conditions to promote uniform pit formation, thereby doubling the cycle life in a symmetric cell, and increasing the capacity retention of NCM622||Li full-cell from 68.7% to 79.5% after 500 cycles.