Core Concepts
The author argues that resting lithium-metal batteries can restore performance by allowing electrically isolated lithium metal to reconnect to the anode after calendar ageing.
Abstract
Lithium-metal batteries, utilizing metallic lithium as the anode, are seen as the future of rechargeable batteries. Contrary to common belief that resting these batteries leads to degradation and reduced charge capacity, a study in Nature by Zhang et al. reveals that electrically isolated lithium metal can reestablish connection with the anode post-calendar ageing of discharged batteries. This finding challenges existing notions about battery performance and offers insights into potential restoration methods.
Stats
"It is generally thought that ‘calendar ageing’ of these batteries — resting them without an applied current or voltage — results in degradation."
"This loss of battery capacity is typically caused by irreversible reactions occurring between lithium metal and the battery’s electrolyte."
"It can also be due to lithium metal becoming electrically isolated from the rest of the anode."
"Zhang et al. report that electrically isolated lithium metal can reconnect to the anode after calendar ageing of the discharged battery."