Roll-to-roll prelithiation of lithium-ion battery anodes by transfer printing

Prelithiation can boost the performance of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). A cost-effective prelithiation strategy with high quality and high industrial compatibility is urgently required. Herein we developed a roll-to-roll electrodeposition and transfer-printing system for continuous prelithiation of LIB anodes. By roll-to-roll calendering, pre-manufactured anodes could be fully transfer-printed onto electrodeposited lithium metal. The interface separation and adhesion during transfer printing were related to interfacial shear and compressive stress, respectively. With the facile transfer-printing prelithiation, high initial Coulombic efficiencies of 99.99% and 99.05% were achieved in graphite and silicon/carbon composite electrode half cells, respectively. The initial Coulombic efficiencies and energy densities in full cells were observed to be significantly improved with the prelithiated electrodes. The roll-to-roll transfer printing provides a high-performance, controllable, scalable and industry-adaptable prelithiation in LIBs.