In situ observation of thermal-driven degradation and safety concerns of lithiated graphite anode

Graphite, a robust host for reversible lithium storage, enabled the first commercially viable lithium-ion batteries. However, the thermal degradation pathway and the safety hazards of lithiated graphite remain elusive. Here, solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) decomposition, lithium leaching, and gas release of the lithiated graphite anode during heating were examined by in situ synchrotron X-ray techniques and in situ mass spectroscopy. The source of flammable gas such as H-2 was identified and quantitively analyzed. Also, the existence of highly reactive residual lithium on the graphite surface was identified at high temperatures. Our results emphasized the critical role of the SEI in anode thermal stability and uncovered the potential safety hazards of the flammable gases and leached lithium. The anode thermal degradation mechanism revealed in the present work will stimulate more efforts in the rational design of anodes to enable safe energy storage. The role of the lithiated graphite anode in battery thermal runaway failure remains under intense investigation. In this work, with multiple in situ synchrotron X-ray characterizations, the phase evolution, gas release, and lithium leaching of lithiated graphite anode are illustrated in detail.

Automated summary

In this study, the decomposition of solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI), lithium leaching, and gas release of lithiated graphite anode during heating were investigated using in situ synchrotron X-ray techniques and in situ mass spectroscopy. The source of flammable gas such as H-2 was identified, and the existence of highly reactive residual lithium on the graphite surface at high temperatures was confirmed. Our results highlight the crucial role of SEI in anode thermal stability and reveal the potential safety hazards of flammable gases and leached lithium.