Lithium rechargeability on different substrates

The rechargeability of lithium and its alloys is considered by applying new parameters of cycleability. Such parameters are the corrosion current during cycling (j_c), shedding degree of the anode (0≤γ≤1) and the maximal cycling efficiency (E^max). The corrosion current is a measure of the protective properties of the film formed on the anode; E^max and γ are related to the deposit morphology. A number of similarities has been revealed during lithium cycling in 15 electrolytes at an inert electrode substrate. The morphology of the lithium deposit is determined by the most reactive component of the solution, with respect to lithium. This component can be a solvent, solute or impurity (additive). The corrosion current is influenced by the solvent or some impurities (additives). When cycling lithium at alloying substrates the cycleability parameters also depende upon the kind of alloy. The new parameters give a simple possibility of choosing the most suitable electrolyte solution and selecting the lithium alloy with the least shedding degree during cycling and with the best capacity retention.