Review on Graphite Anodes for Fast-Charging Lithium-Ion Batteries: Mechanism, Modification and Characterizations

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are awarded the 2019 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, revolutionizing global energy systems and significantly altering human lifestyles. However, the current electrochemical performance of lithium-ion batteries fails to satisfy the increasingly stringent requirements for fast-charging capabilities in modern energy storage applications. Central to this challenge is the advancement of fast-charging graphite anode materials, which play a pivotal role in enhancing fast-charging performance. Nonetheless, the inherently sluggish lithiation kinetics of graphite anode in LIBs impose limitations on battery capacity, leading to irreversible lithium plating, which has a significantly adverse impact on battery power and cycling performance. This review delves into elucidating the primary factors influencing the fast-charging capabilities of graphite anodes and dissects the underlying failure mechanisms. And then a comprehensive overview of modification strategies aimed at enhancing the fast-charging ability of graphite anodes is presented from the view of electrochemical reaction process. Moreover, advanced in situ characterization techniques applicable to key issues in the fast-charging process of graphite are introduced. Finally, the potential future directions and perspective of mechanism researches and modification methods for fast-charging graphite anode are highlighted, aiming to drive the advancement of fast-charging graphite anode in LIBs.