A review of over-discharge protection through prelithiation in working lithium-ion batteries

Abstract

The demand for high safety and high reliability lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) is strongly considered for practical applications. However, due to their inherent self-discharge properties or abuse, LIBs face the threat of over-discharge, which induces premature end of life and increased risk of thermal runaway. In addition, a strong demand for batteries with zero-volt storage is strongly considered for aerospace and implantable medical devices. In this review, we firstly introduce the necessity and the importance of over-discharge and zero-volt protection for LIBs. The mechanism of damage to the Cu current collectors and SEI induced by potential changes during over-discharge is presented. The current over-discharge protection strategies based on whether the zero-crossing potential of the electrodes is summarized. Finally, the fresh insights into the material design of cathode prelithiation additives are presented from the perspective of over-discharge protection.