Fast-charging lithium-ion batteries: Synergy of carbon nanotubes and laser ablation

Advancing lithium-ion battery (LiB) technology to achieve 10–15-min extreme fast charging (XFC) while maintaining high energy density and longevity poses a significant challenge. Addressing Li-plating is crucial, as it depletes useable Li, causing deterioration and safety issues. This study explores a holistic approach incorporating Single-Wall Carbon Nanotubes (SWCNTs) and Laser Ablation (LA) to mitigate Li-plating while maintaining high charge acceptance under 10–15-min XFC. SWCNTs enhance the electrical conductivity and mechanical integrity of the positive electrode (PE), reducing overall cell overpotential at high charging rates. Concurrently, LA is applied to negative electrodes (NE) to reduce tortuosity of ion-diffusion pathways and increase surface wettability, improving Li-ion transport. Combining SWCNTs in the PE and LA on the NE, our experimental findings demonstrate a significant reduction in Li-plating and maintained high charge acceptance of ∼84.33 % after 800 5C (12 min) charge cycles for cells having PE with ∼3.3 mAh cm⁻² and NE with 3.9 mAh cm⁻² loadings. This study highlights the potential of combining SWCNTs and LA to address Li-plating in LiBs and opens new avenues for designing battery systems capable of achieving 10–15-min XFC.