A Scalable Cathode Prelithiation Technique for Compensating the Initial Capacity Loss of Lithium-Ion Batteries

Abstract

Irreversible capacity loss during the initial charge–discharge process poses a significant challenge to the practical application of high-theoretical-capacity anodes in lithium-ion batteries. Therefore, prelithiation technology has emerged as a pivotal choice for the advancement of high-energy-density lithium-ion batteries. Herein, we introduce a bilayer coating strategy with Li₂S-polyacrylonitrile (Li₂S-PAN) as the prelithiation source. Specifically, Li₂S-PAN can selectively release active lithium ions during the initial charge process with a specific capacity of 695 mAh g^–1. When integrated into a LiFePO₄ cathode, Li₂S-PAN can achieve a 48.2% additional capacity. Furthermore, the LiFePO₄|SiC full cell exhibits a ∼20.0% initial lithium compensation with the reversible capacity increasing from 101 to 121 mAh g^–1. Overall, this work proposes a facile and scalable route for the future application of high-theoretical-capacity anodes (silicon, tin, etc.) in the lithium-ion battery industry.