Revealing the dynamic interface evolutions of electrochemical pre-lithiated graphite electrodes in practical workplace atmospheres

The electrochemical pre-lithiation (EC-PrLi) method using half-cell configuration exhibits great potential in constructing a uniform and stable solid electrolyte interface (SEI) in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). The exposure procedures for EC-PrLi electrodes are inevitable during electrode transfer and cell fabrication, the SEI structure and stability of pre-lithiated electrodes are significantly affected for the high reactivity of SEI in ambient air. Hence, the stability of pre-lithiated electrodes is one of the most significant indexes reflecting the possibility for large-scale applications. Here, graphite electrodes are chosen for EC-PrLi, revealing for the first time the dynamic interface evolution of pre-lithiated graphite electrodes exposed to practical environments (glove box:GB and dry room:DR). The SEI of the lithiated electrode (D-12) exposed to a more realistic environment (DR) evolves into unstable and thin (similar to 1.5 nm) poor-LiOH SEI. The electrochemical performance changes of lithiated electrodes exposed to different conditions are being revealed. The lithiated graphite electrode (D-12) exhibits poor rate characteristics (314.6 mAh g(-1) at 0.05 C and 22.8 mAh g(-1) at 1.0 C) and cycling stability (capacity retention rate of 81.3 %). This work reveals the dynamic interface evolution of EC-PrLi graphite electrodes in practical environments, providing guidance for the broader application of pre-lithiation technology in practical.