Anode-free batteries, which revolutionize energy storage by discarding traditional anodes in favor of copper foil to plate lithium directly from the cathode, offer increased energy densities and better safety than conventional lithium metal cells. However, their advantage is tempered by a significantly reduced cycle life, attributed to lithium loss through parasitic reactions. Comprehending the lithium inventory evolution under diverse conditions is vital for developing strategies to improve their performance. Herein, using coulometry, titration gas chromatography, and cryogenic scanning electron microscopy, we analyze the evolution of active and inactive lithium in NMC622||Cu pouch cells. Our results reveal the mechanism of lithium reservoir formation due to cathode irreversibility and its subsequent impact on cell performance across various electrolytes. Our findings not only highlight the significance of the lithium reservoir for anode-free cells’ cycle life but also explore its modulation through charge/discharge rates, offering new opportunities to understand and enhance anode-free cells’ cycle life.

中文翻译：

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解读无阳极软包电池中活性锂储层的影响

无阳极电池通过放弃传统阳极，转而使用铜箔直接从阴极镀锂，彻底改变了能量存储，与传统锂金属电池相比，它具有更高的能量密度和更好的安全性。然而，由于寄生反应导致锂损失，它们的优势被显着缩短的循环寿命所削弱。了解不同条件下锂库存的变化对于制定提高其性能的策略至关重要。在此，我们使用库仑分析法、滴定气相色谱法和低温扫描电子显微镜，分析了 NMC622||Cu 软包电池中活性和非活性锂的演变。我们的结果揭示了由于阴极不可逆性而形成锂储层的机制及其对各种电解质的电池性能的后续影响。我们的研究结果不仅强调了锂储层对无阳极电池循环寿命的重要性，而且还探索了其通过充电/放电速率的调节，为理解和提高无阳极电池的循环寿命提供了新的机会。